A Meta-Analysis of Heavyweight and Self-Esteem

This study is a meta-analysis of the relation of heavyweight and self-esteem. We examined this relation in studies thatfocused on participants' actual body weight (assessed by physical measures or self-reports of weight and height) and studies thatfocused on self-perceived degree of heavyweight or body dissatisfaction. The overall mean effect size was moderate (r = -.18, d = -.36), with lower self-esteem associated with heavier weight. The correlation between self-esteem and weight was higher for studies of self-perceived weight than for studies of actual weight. Consistent with predictions about cultural and group differences, effect sizes were smaller for low socioeconomic status (SES) samples, ethnic minority samples, and nonclinical samples than for high SES, nonminority, and clinical samples, respectively. In addition, effect sizes were larger for women than for men and for high school and college students than for children. Discussion centered on cultural, group, and individual differences that may influence the consequences on self-esteem of violating standards for appropriate body weight.

Quantification of sub-clinical anxiety and depression in essentially obese patients and normal-weight healthy subjects

The aim of this study was to quantify the degree of sub-clinical anxiety and depression in essentially obese patients (EOP) and normoponderal healthy subjects (NHS) in order to identify quantitative differences based on mean scores and percentages (the latter in cases showing a tendency towards pathological anxiety and depression indicated by a score of > or = 8). The study involved 69 EOP (age: 13-72 years; BMI: > 25.0 and < 35.0 kg/m2) and 66 NHS (age: 18-68 years; BMI: > 18.5 and < or = 25.0 kg/m2). The scores, expressed in Anxiety Units (AU) and Depression Units (DU), were computed using ad hoc questionnaires (the ASQ and CDQ) validated for the Italian population. The mean scores of sub-clinical anxiety and depression in the EOP were significantly higher (both p = 0.001) than those of the NHS (6.33 +/- 2.38 vs 5.02 +/- 2.22 AU; 6.42 +/- 2.42 vs 5.02 +/- 2.03 DU), as were the percentages of cases with a tendency towards pathological anxiety and depression (42% vs 18%, and 43% vs 12%) (both p = 0.001). The significantly higher mean sub-clinical anxiety and depression score in the EOP indicate that a worse mood status is associated with obesity in a non-random manner. The significantly higher percentages of EOP with a tendency towards pathologic anxiety and depression indicate that obesity is a clinical condition that predisposes to the development of clinically relevant affective disorders.

Modification in Quetelet index five months after myocardial infarction: relevance of biographic and personality characteristics

BACKGROUND

Obesity can be considered as a risk factor for (re-)occurrence of coronary heart disease.

METHODS

The relationship between modification in quetelet index and personality characteristics was assessed in 166 survivors of a first myocardial infarction (MI). Quetelet index (weight/(height)2) was calculated a few days after first MI and again 5 months later. A multiple regression analysis was executed, with the quetelet index after 5 months as dependent variable and adjustment for gender, age, and quetelet index at baseline.

RESULTS

It was found that strong feelings of vital exhaustion and lack of tension significantly contributed to the prediction of increased quetelet index 5 months after a first MI.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended that individually tailored interventions be used based on these personality characteristics to accomplish body weight reduction in MI patients.