Comorbidity and quality of life in obesity–a comparative study with the general population in Gothenburg, Sweden

Abstract

Context Obesity is considered to have a detrimental impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Objective To compare HRQoL in a well-defined group of people with obesity with a population-based control group from the general public. Design Observational cross-sectional cohort study with a reference population. Setting The Regional Obesity Center at the Department of Medicine at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. Participants People with obesity (n = 1122) eligible for surgical and non-surgical obesity treatment in routine care were included consecutively between 2015 and 2017 into the BASUN study. Men and women from the WHO-MONICA-GOT project were used as a reference population (n = 414). Main outcome measures HRQoL was measured with the RAND-36/Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for self-related health (SRH). Prescription drugs for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, depression, and anxiety were taken as a proxy for these conditions. Results People with obesity rated their overall HRQoL lower than the reference population according to the SRH-VAS. Lower scores were reported on physical and social functioning, vitality, general and mental health after adjustment for age and use of prescription drugs (considered a proxy for burden of disease, or comorbidities) using the RAND-36/SF-36 questionnaire. Use of some psychopharmacological agents was more common in patients with obesity. Conclusion People with obesity seeking help with weight reduction are more likely to have lower physical and mental self-reported HRQoL than the general population.

Metabolic Adverse Effects of Psychotropic Drug Therapy: A Systematic Review

“…However, the combination of drug therapy without a healthy diet, low in fat but with adequate amounts of sugar and protein, can disrupt efficiency and productivity. This scenario may lead to stress, and individuals may resort to self-medication with sleeping pills or anxiolytics, even without proper medical prescriptions [ 73 , 74 ]. Studies have found a connection between metabolic syndrome, obesity, and increased impulsivity, food addiction, and depressive symptoms, particularly in middle-aged and elderly individuals with metabolic syndrome [ 75 ].…”

Mental health status and the quality of life of infertile women receiving fertility treatment in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

“…Additionally, increasing body weight was associated with a lower quality of life. The poor health conditions and potential physical limitations of malnourished individuals inhibit their ability to engage in daily activities and thus affect their quality of life [ 54 ]. Researchers around the world also compared the quality of life status questionnaires in patients with and without obesity and concluded similar results [ 26 , 55 ].…”

Incidence of Asymptomatic Gallstones in Obese Patients Who Underwent Bariatric Surgery in Qassim Region at King Fahad Specialist Hospital

“…Obese people frequently have comorbid conditions; hence, bariatric surgery is frequently suggested as a treatment to help them live healthier lives [ 7 , 8 ]. In the current study, 46.3% of patients had at least one comorbid condition, which is consistent with earlier studies that found a high prevalence of comorbidities among obese people receiving bariatric surgery [ 9 - 11 ].…”