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Relationship between severity of obesity and mental health: an Australian community survey
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posted on 2012-03-01, 00:00 authored by N P Knoesen, S G Mancuso, Samantha ThomasSamantha Thomas, P Komesaroff, S Lewis, D J CastleIntroduction: In Australia the incidence of obesity is increasing rapidly and has become a significant public health concern. In addition to the many physical consequences of obesity many studies have reported significant mental health consequences, including major depression, mood and anxiety disorders. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between severity of obesity and perceived mental health in an Australian community sample. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used. A total of 118 participants, aged between 19 and 75 years with a body mass index (BMI)≥30kg/m 2 returned a completed questionnaire. The SF-36 Health Survey, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used. Results: After adjusting for age, gender, perceived social support and physical health quality of life, obesity was not significantly associated with mental health quality of life (SF-36). The strongest factor influencing mental health was perceived physical health. Mediation analyses suggest that physical health mediates the relationship between obesity and mental health quality of life. Discussion: Our findings support the view that physical health mediates the relationship between obesity and mental health. Public health interventions should focus on reducing the impact of obesity on physical health by encouraging participation in healthy lifestyles, which in turn, may improve mental wellbeing. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.
History
Journal
Asia-Pacific psychiatryVolume
4Issue
1Pagination
67 - 75Publisher
WileyLocation
London, Eng.Publisher DOI
ISSN
1758-5864eISSN
1758-5872Language
engPublication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2012, Blackwell Publishing AsiaUsage metrics
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