Predicting health-related quality of life from the psychosocial profiles of youth seeking treatment for obesity

Psychological Profiles of Treatment-Seeking Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Cluster Analysis Approach

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity are associated with depression and well-being. Some psychological characteristics play a role in explaining well-being and depression in obesity and in identifying specific patient profiles. However, subtyping individuals with overweight/obesity based on variables like self-esteem or stress has not often been done. Therefore, our objective was to explore the psychological profiles of treatment-seeking individuals overweight or with obesity and to compare their depression and well-being.

METHODS

Data regarding eating self-efficacy, well-being, depression, physical hunger, self-esteem, body satisfaction and perceived stress in individuals with overweight/obesity were collected from the ESTEAM cohort. Hierarchical cluster analysis and mean comparisons were performed on female (n = 1427) and male samples (n = 310).

RESULTS

Three psychological profiles were identified in both samples. The "High psychological concerns" profile and the "Low psychological concerns" profile were identical in both samples. The third profile, "Bodily concerns", differed by sex and was characterized by appearance dissatisfaction for women and by appearance and eating concerns for men. The "Low psychological concerns" profile presented the highest well-being and the lowest depression scores in both samples.

DISCUSSION

The findings support the hypothesis of the heterogeneity of individuals with overweight and obesity and suggest sex-related therapeutic approaches.

Child Obesity and Mental Health: A Complex Interaction

Prevalence rates of childhood obesity have risen steeply over the last 3 decades. Given the increased national focus, the frequency of this clinical problem, and the multiple mental health factors that coexist with it, make obesity a public health concern. The complex relationships between mental health and obesity serve to potentiate the severity and interdependency of each. The purpose of this review is to create a contextual connection for the 2 conditions as outlined by the research literature and consider treatment options that affect both health problems.