Family functioning and its clinical correlates in overweight and obese patients

Abstract

Aim: Our aim is to evaluate the differences in family functioning and anxiety between normal, overweight, and obese subjects.

Method: Overweight and obese patients were selected from the outpatient clinic of internal medicine department of a university hospital. Patients were classified into three groups as normal weight (N=82), overweight (N=33) and obese (N=50) patients. The normal weight group included healthy subjects. The individuals were examined by the same psychiatrist (MA). Beck Anxiety Inventory and Family Assessment Device were applied to all groups.

Results: When compared to normal weight patients, obese and overweight patients had significantly higher anxiety scores and higher scores in general functions, problem solving, communication, roles, affective responsiveness, and behavior control dimensions which reflect increased dysfunctions in their families. The total level of dysfunction that patients experience was predicted by alcohol dependence in the family during childhood period, any medical disorder in the current family, anxiety level and body mass index.

Conclusion: When treating them clinicians should keep in mind that families of obese and overweight patients may have higher levels of dysfunctions.