Obesity and health‐related quality of life

Abstract

Although it is well documented that obesity is strongly associated with morbidity and mortality, less is known about the impact of obesity on functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQL). However, in recent years research has been conducted to estimate the impact of obesity on HRQL, and to determine the effects of weight reduction on HRQL. The majority of published studies indicate that obesity impairs HRQL, and that higher degrees of obesity are associated with greater impairment. Obesity-associated decrements on HRQL tend to be most pronounced on physical domains of functioning. Studies of the effect of obesity surgery among morbidly obese patients indicate that this procedure produces significant and sustained improvements in the majority of HRQL indices; among mild-to-moderately obese persons, modest weight reduction derived from lifestyle modification also appears to improve HRQL, at least in the short term. Additional research is needed to (1) further characterize the effect that obesity has on HRQL; (2) estimate the short- and long-term effects of various methods of weight reduction (e.g. surgery, lifestyle modification) on HRQL; (3) improve both the conceptualization and measurement of HRQL to incorporate the personal preferences and values of the patient; and (4) develop ways to enhance and sustain positive changes in HRQL, even if weight maintenance is elusive.

Quality of Life and Health Outcomes in Overweight and Non-Overweight Children With Asthma

“…The very beginnings of this impact are apparent in the variation in scores seen in the obese children on question 3, which showed a slight decrease in the ability to enjoy activities with friends and family. The negative effect obesity has on health and QOL has been shown repeatedly in adults (Fontaine & Barofsky, 2001). …”

“…Research has shown poor quality of life in obese children (Fontaine & Barofsky, 2001;Schwimmer et al, 2003). However, this area of research needs to be expanded to include comorbidities such as asthma.…”

“…Although relatively few empirical studies have evaluated the effects of obesity on QOL, a review by Fontaine & Barofsky (2001) found that the majority of studies published on obesity have indicated that obesity impairs quality of life, and higher degrees of obesity are associated with greater impairment. In addition, the majority of obesity QOL-related studies have focused on the effects of weight reduction after gastric surgery (Fontaine & Barofsky, 2001).…”

“…Although relatively few empirical studies have evaluated the effects of obesity on QOL, a review by Fontaine & Barofsky (2001) found that the majority of studies published on obesity have indicated that obesity impairs quality of life, and higher degrees of obesity are associated with greater impairment. In addition, the majority of obesity QOL-related studies have focused on the effects of weight reduction after gastric surgery (Fontaine & Barofsky, 2001). The majority of surgical intervention studies have found dramatic improvements in QOL indices such as overall physical functioning, work capacity, mental health, selfesteem, social interaction, and general satisfaction with life (Fontaine & Barofsky, 2001).…”

“…In addition, the majority of obesity QOL-related studies have focused on the effects of weight reduction after gastric surgery (Fontaine & Barofsky, 2001). The majority of surgical intervention studies have found dramatic improvements in QOL indices such as overall physical functioning, work capacity, mental health, selfesteem, social interaction, and general satisfaction with life (Fontaine & Barofsky, 2001). …”