The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71672

Anjali Chudasama, MSc MPH¹, Heather Chambliss, PhD, MA², and William J. Wilkinson, MD, MS¹. (1) Centers for Intergrated Health Research, Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research, 12230 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230, 972-341-3245, achudasama9@cooperinst.org, (2) Centers for Integrated Health Research, Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research, 12330 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230

Obesity may influence health related quality of life (HRQOL) including physical, emotional, and psychosocial well-being. In addition, HRQOL may differ according to obesity severity, with the most obese individuals having the poorest quality of life (Kolotkin et al., 2001). To examine the impact of obesity on HRQOL, we administered the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life (IWQOL) – Lite Questionnaire to participants in a fee-based behavioral weight management program. The 79 participants (120.32 ± 27.09 kg; BMI 41.83 ± 7.92 kg/m2) were categorized into classes of obesity based on their Body Mass Index (BMI): Class I (N=11; BMI 30-34.9), Class II (N=30; BMI 35-39.9) and Class III (N=38; BMI ³ 40). We compared IWQOL-Lite subscale scores for physical function, self-esteem, sexual life, public distress and work as well as total score among obesity categories. Compared to Obese Class II and I, Obese Class III individuals had higher total and subscale scores for physical function, public distress and work (p<0.05). In addition, obese class III individuals had significantly higher sexual life scores compared to obese class II (p<0.005) but not for obese class I. Across BMI categories, self-esteem scores were non-significant. These results suggest that the impact of obesity on HRQOL is more severe as BMI increases for the domains of public distress, work and physical function while areas such as self-esteem might be affected similarly regardless of obesity category. Thus, obesity may negatively affect emotional and psychosocial functioning as well as physical health and should be considered in obesity treatment.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, the audience will be able to:
• Define Health Related Quality of Life aspects;
• Understand the impact of obesity on quality of life; and
• Discuss implications for obesity treatment.

Keywords: Obesity, Quality of Life

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment