Quality of life: Relationship to obesity

• Published in: International Journal of Obesity Vol. 26; p. S163
• Main Author: Kolotkin, R L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.08.2002
• ISSN: 0307-0565

Increasing BMI is associated with impaired quality of life (both generic and obesity-specific) in population and treatment studies. Optimal scores are obtained for BMI's of 21-25, with underweight persons experiencing poor quality of life (QOL) equivalent to obese persons. On generic measures, physical aspects of QOL are more impaired for obese persons than mental/emotional aspects, and the presence of chronic illness or pain further impairs QOL. Physical activity may improve QOL in obese persons. Obese persons seeking treatment have poorer quality of life than non-treatment-seekers, and QOL impairment increases as treatment intensity increases. Quality of life is more impaired for obese women than for obese men, particularly in psychosocial areas. Results on racial differences in QOL for obese persons are inconsistent. Moderate weight reduction is associated with: 1) improved QOL on all aspects of obesity-specific QOL (with the most profound changes occurring on physical function and self-esteem) and 2) improved physical QOL (more so than mental/emotional) on generic measures. With bariatric surgery, QOL improves dramatically and directly in relation to amount of weight lost. QOL is best at 12-18 months post-surgery; by 24 months a small weight regain occurs that is associated with some worsening of QOL.