Psychiatric morbidities of female obesity before and after dieting: an Egyptian sample

Abstract

Abstract Background The rate of occurrence of psychiatric morbidities like anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and the overall quality of life are very high among female patients with obesity; therefore, our study investigates such variables before and after weight loss in female patients on diet restriction; this can help obesity-multidisciplinary teams target these psychiatric correlates to reach a more satisfactory outcome. Results Anxiety, depression, and perceived stress scores decreased significantly in parallel to the weight loss reported (p < 0.0001). Except for social functioning, all other domains of quality of life improved significantly after weight loss. Those with higher education level showed significantly lower stress, anxiety, and depression scores before weight loss compared to married and highly educated ones respectively. After weight loss, highly educated participants showed lower perceived stress and depression scores than those with middle education. Conclusions Anxiety, depression, and perceived stress factors are significantly decreased after weight reduction with an improved quality of life as well compared to their scores prior.

Keywords

• Psychiatric morbidities
• Obesity
• Female
• Dieting