Original scientific paper
Medical and Psychological Parameters in Overweight and Obese Persons Seeking Treatment
Tina Guina
Alessandra Pokrajac-Bulian
Mladenka Tkalčić
Nina Bašić Marković
Željka Crnčević Orlić
Slavica Ćorić
Davor Štimac
Abstract
The aim of the study was to analyse psychological characteristics and medical parameters in obese and overweight to
identify the possible psychosocial consequences of obesity that may occur along with the numerous medical problems associated
with excess body weight. Analysis was made on 296 patients (103 males and 193 females, median age 50, range
16–81) divided in three groups, depending on their Body mass index (BMI). Group I included 41 patients with BMI
ranging from 25 to 29.9, group II included 170 patients with BMI from 30 to 34.9, and group III 85 patients with
BM 35. We compared medical (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure,
body fat percentage) and psychological parameters (anxiety, depression, pros and cons of losing weight, self efficacy
and four stages of change) in the patients included in the study. Univariate analysis has shown statistically significant
difference among obese and overweight patients in goal weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body fat percentage,
glucose and cholesterol serum level. People with higher BMI (>30) found more advantages (pros) over disadvantages
(cons) of weight loss but the level of anxiety and depression did not differ significantly among those 3 groups of patients.
The results have shown that overweight and obese people have serious medical problems. They also differ in some psychological
characteristics which have to be taken into consideration. Therefore, approach to these patients should be multidisciplinary,
including dietary care, physical activity, psychological and medical care.
Keywords
obesity; anxiety; depression; body fat percentage
Hrčak ID:
27186
URI
Publication date:
7.7.2008.
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