A Tuthill1, H Slawik, S O'Rahilly, N Finer. 1. University of Cambridge Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ. tt280@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity is rising, but little is known about its psychosocial correlates. AIM: To assess psychological co-morbidities and impairment of quality of life in obese individuals seeking treatment at two specialist centres in the UK. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of anthropometric and questionnaire data collected at initial clinic visit. METHODS: Patients attending for a first visit between April 2004 and March 2005 completed questionnaires that included scales for measurement of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), eating disorder-behaviour (Eating Disorder Inventory 2), assessment of body image (Body Image Assessment for Obesity) and quality of life (Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite). We examined the relationships between variables measured on these scales and anthropometric data. RESULTS: Of 253 questionnaires evaluated, there were elevated scores for depression in 48%, and elevated scores for anxiety in 56%. Twenty-two percent demonstrated scores suggestive of a personality trait that overlaps with an eating disorder; an additional 11.5% had an elevated score for bulimia. About a third of individuals had significant impaired quality of life in the areas of examined. DISCUSSION: Psychological co-morbidities are common in obese individuals attending specialist weight-management clinics, and may merit consideration at (or before) commencement of a weight loss programme.
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity is rising, but little is known about its psychosocial correlates. AIM: To assess psychological co-morbidities and impairment of quality of life in obese individuals seeking treatment at two specialist centres in the UK. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of anthropometric and questionnaire data collected at initial clinic visit. METHODS:Patients attending for a first visit between April 2004 and March 2005 completed questionnaires that included scales for measurement of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), eating disorder-behaviour (Eating Disorder Inventory 2), assessment of body image (Body Image Assessment for Obesity) and quality of life (Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite). We examined the relationships between variables measured on these scales and anthropometric data. RESULTS: Of 253 questionnaires evaluated, there were elevated scores for depression in 48%, and elevated scores for anxiety in 56%. Twenty-two percent demonstrated scores suggestive of a personality trait that overlaps with an eating disorder; an additional 11.5% had an elevated score for bulimia. About a third of individuals had significant impaired quality of life in the areas of examined. DISCUSSION: Psychological co-morbidities are common in obese individuals attending specialist weight-management clinics, and may merit consideration at (or before) commencement of a weight loss programme.
Authors: Carly A Hughes; Amy L Ahern; Harsha Kasetty; Barbara M McGowan; Helen M Parretti; Ann Vincent; Jason C G Halford Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2021-06-30 Impact factor: 2.692