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BackgroundObesity has a multifaceted etiology that involves genetic, biological and behavioral factors, body growth, eating habits, energy expenditure and the function of adipose tissue. The present study aimed to expand upon knowledge about the relationships among obesity, emotions and eating habits in severely obese individuals using a case-control method.MethodsThe subject group consisted of 112 individuals (81 females and 31 males) receiving a permanent disability pension primarily for obesity. The control subjects were randomly selected from the same area and were receiving a disability pension for a different primary illness. The controls were matched with the subjects by the place of residence, sex, age, the time since the pension was granted and occupation. Psychiatric interviews were conducted on all participants. The results were analyzed using the chi-squared test (χ2-test) and the percent distribution. The subject and control groups were compared using the t-test for paired variables. Conditional logistic regression analysis was also conducted.ResultsThe emotional state of eating was significantly associated with quarrels and feelings of loneliness. The subjects suffered from night eating syndrome, which was associated with an increased risk of early retirement. Binge eating syndrome was observed more frequently in the study group. The subjects reported feeling increased hunger compared with the controls. A significant percentage of the subjects had a body mass index of ≥ 40. No differences in eating habits were observed between the groups.ConclusionThis study provides information on the relationship between emotions and eating habits in obesity, which is a rarely studied topic. We believe that our study provides a novel and necessary overview of the associations among severe obesity, emotions and eating habits.

Background: Several etiological factors for obesity have been identified, whereas other factors related to obesity, such as stress, remain poorly understood. This study used psychiatric methods to examine the relationship between stress and obesity. Methods: Matched study and control groups were established, and the female and male control subjects were selected separately by random sampling. The control subjects were matched with the case subjects with respect to place of residence, sex, age, date that a pension was granted, and occupation. Psychiatric and psychological methods were assessed using a questionnaire and statistical analyses. Results: Psychiatric interviews indicated that stress was more prevalent in the study group than in the control group. Separation from parents was nearly significantly more frequently in the study group than in the control group. The questionnaire on coping mechanisms revealed that case subjects tended to resolve their problems in an active manner. Conclusions: The aim of this case-control study was to examine the relationship between stress and obesity in individuals receiving a disability pension. We identified stress factors that affect the development of obesity. We believe our study is both necessary and important, as these findings provide valuable insight into the relationship between severe obesity and stress.

To help students understand subjects such as theoretical aspects of computation, algorithmic reasoning and intelligence of machines, a number of publications report experiments to teach these topics with the help of Lego Mindstorms robots. In the publications, the researchers report how they have created various ways to approach the issues either in Computer Science or in Artificial Intelligence. The reported results of the experiments are based on the learning outcomes, the feedback from the students, and the perceived informal observations (i.e. "feelings") of the instructors.But can anyone else benefit from the reportedly positive outcomes of the experiments? To give an answer to that question, this paper analyses the reported results through two support theories. The two theories chosen for this, andragogy and minimalism, are concerned with adult learning and how teaching adults should be approached. When reflecting the results of the four teaching experiments to the suggestions drawn from the theories, a more comprehensive answer to why the experiments have been successful can be given.The four teaching experiments analysed here were in many ways similar to each other. A connection to the chosen support theories was straightforward to make. Besides describing the artefacts of teaching with the robots, a deeper discussion on this teaching approach is provided. For an instructor, all these observations offer more concrete evidence about beneficial factors of teaching with robots.

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between depression and obesity in severely obese retired individuals using the case-control method. Methods: The subject group consisted of 112 individuals receiving a permanent disability pension primarily due to obesity. The prevalence of depression was measured with a personal psychiatric interview and the Beck Depression Inventory (21). Male and female controls were selected separately, with five controls for male subjects and three controls for female subjects. The controls were matched with the subjects according to place of residence, age, time that pension was granted, and occupation. The statistical analyses included χ 2 tests, means, t-tests for paired variables, a conditional logistic linear model, correlation coefficients and the percent distributions. Results: Depression was diagnosed more often in the subject group than in the control group according to the psychiatric interview. Based on the conditional logistic linear model, individuals with severe obesity had a higher risk of depression than those in the control group. The most common disturbance was chronic depression in both groups. Additionally, there were significant findings regarding the outcome of depression for every classification in the psychiatric interview. According to the Beck Depression Inventory, depression was more common in subjects than in controls. However, slight depression was most common in the study group. Seven percent of the subjects had masked depression. The questions on the Beck Depression Inventory that measure irritability, indecisiveness, body image and ability to work were nearly significant. Regarding weight changes, the Beck Depression Inventory questions on both weight loss (p = 0.014) and weight gain (p = 0.017) were statistically significant. In the study group, individuals with BMI over 40 kg/m 2 gained the most weight; however, weight loss was very low overall. Regarding changes in appetite, the majority of the study group responded that they had a poorer appetite than previously. Conclusion: