Positive psychological well‐being in women with obesity: A scoping review of qualitative and quantitative primary research

Abstract

Abstract Background Positive psychological well‐being (PPWB) is generally associated with improved physical health, mental well‐being, and healthy behaviors. However, it is not clear how PPWB differs in women with obesity or if improving PPWB will improve their health. The objective of this study was to summarize the evidence on PPWB in women with obesity. Method A scoping review was conducted in APA PsycINFO, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, SocINDEX, Family & Society Studies Worldwide, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global databases. Primary research studies, with an analysis of adult women with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 with measures of PPWB are included. Results Thirty‐two studies encompassing >57,000 women with obesity, measured constructs of PPWB included: self‐esteem, life satisfaction, positive affect, social support, vitality, happiness, self‐acceptance, and optimism. Most studies showed that PPWB was lower in women with obesity although this association dissipated in studies when health and negative social factors were considered. Improvements in PPWB were associated with weight loss and with successful lifestyle changes with and without weight loss. Positive psychological interventions (PPIs) were used to bolster psychological well‐being. PPIs were associated with improved measures of self‐esteem and well‐being. Conclusions Prospective longitudinal and intervention studies are required to understand how evaluating and fostering PPWB might support gender‐informed obesity care.

Keywords

• obesity
• positive psychological wellbeing
• women