Psychiatric distress and health-related quality of life in obesity

Abstract

Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is poor in obese patients and not necessarily related to the severity of disease. In a large proportion of patients psychopathological distress is also present and its role on poor HRQL has never been quantified.

Methods: In 207 patients entering a University-based weight-reducing programme (38 males, 169 females), a package of self-administered questionnaires was submitted to measure HRQL (Short-Form 36) and psychopathological distress [general: Symptom Check-List 90 (SCL-90); depression: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); binge eating: Binge Eating Scale (BES)]. Several clinical and anthropometric data were also recorded.

Results: HRQL, both in its physical and mental component, was significantly reduced in obesity when related to Italian population norms. SCL-90 identified psychopathological distress in 53 patients (26%), the BDI was indicative of depression in 89 cases (43%), whereas high scores of the BES were measured in 88 cases. Logistic regression analysis identified psichopathological distress as the major factor associated with poor HRQL.

Conclusions: Psychiatric disturbances significantly contribute to poorly perceived health status. Only a comprehensive treatment including a specific approach to psychiatric symptoms may be effective in improving the perceived health status of obese patients seeking treatment.