Psychological characteristics in an obese population assessed using psychometric self-evaluation

Abstract

Background and aims: For several decades, psychological characteristics associated to obesity have been discussed, and it is important to know them as they could influence the development of the disease. Aim of this study was to describe psychological characteristics of an obese sample using psychometric self-evaluation, to compare psychological characteristics between sexes, between those who had and those who had not already tried to lose weight, and to evaluate the association between psychological parameters and age, education level, current BMI, desired weight BMI and BMI they wished to lose. Methods: An evaluation was carried on 261 females and 48 males (40.9 +/- 13.4; 52.0 +/- 11.3 years), overweight (BMI >= 25.0 kg/m(2)). Psychological characteristics were studied using Hopkins Symptom Distress Checklist 90 revised (SCL-90-R) (direct administration). Results: More than half of females obtained results indicating psychological distress (>1.5) in scales somatization (SOM), obsessive/compulsive (OBS), depression (DEP) and paranoid ideation (PAR). More than 40% of males had >1.5 points in SOM, OBS and PAR. Females showed significantly higher points in 9 subscales, and in positive symptom distress index (PSDI). Females who have tried to lose weight only showed a significantly higher SOM. Both male groups, who have tried to lose weight or not, were similar in the different subscales and in the PSDI. Older and less educated females had higher points in SOM/OBS/DEP/Phobic Anxiety/PSDI. Females with a higher BMI had significantly higher results in SOM/OBS/Interpersonal Sensitivity (IPS)/DEP/PSDI. There were no correlations in males between age or BMI and psychopathological evaluation. However, the lower the level of education the higher the points in SOM/OBS/IPS/Anxiety (ANX)/PAR/Psychoticism (PSY). Conclusions: Psychometric evaluation does not allow clinical diagnostics to be made, but our data suggest potential psychological symptoms in this obese sample. These symptoms seem to be more prevalent and intense in females and seem to be higher in older females, with higher BMI and less educated patients. Obesity and Metabolism 2009; 5: 78-85.