Psychosocial and Diet-Related Lifestyle Clusters in Overweight and Obesity

Abstract

This study explored intraindividual multidimensional profiles integrating psychosocial factors, namely, body image and satisfaction, weight-related self-stigma, positivity, and happiness, and behavioural-lifestyle factors, namely, adherence to a healthy diet, among Spanish adults with overweight or obesity. We further aimed to investigate the association of excess weight (i.e., measured body mass index, BMI) with the abovementioned multidimensional configurations. A convenience sample of 100 adult individuals (60% females) with excessive weight (69% overweight; 31% obesity) was recruited. They completed self-reports regarding the study variables, and their weight and height were measured. With a perspective centered on the individual, a cluster analysis was performed. Three distinct intraindividual psychosocial and diet-related profiles were identified: a group of healthy individuals with excess weight (46%); a group of individuals who were negatively affected by their excessive weight and showed the most distressed profile (18%); and a group of dysfunctional individuals who seemed to be excessively unrealistic and optimistic regarding their excessive weight and unhealthy lifestyles, but were troubled by their weight (36%). Furthermore, individuals in the affected cluster had higher obesity (mean BMI ± SD = 32.1 ± 3.7) than those in the clusters of healthy (28.0 ± 3.0) and dysfunctional individuals (28.1 ± 3.3) (p < 0.05). The results showed that there are specific psychosocial and lifestyle profiles in the adult population with excess weight and that there are relationships among psychological, behavioural, and body-composition factors. For clinical application purposes, it is important to account for the heterogeneity within individuals who are obese and to individualize the interventions, with a focus from weight change to the individual’s overall well-being.

Depressive Symptoms among Bariatric Surgery Candidates: Associations with Stigmatization and Weight and Shape Concern

“…Weight and shape concern at all levels had a large moderating effect on the relation between WBI and depressive symptoms. This result goes in line with findings from a cluster analysis revealing that individuals with overweight or obesity and weight concern showed low levels of happiness and positivity [ 56 ]. Similarly, a cross-sectional study demonstrated that WBI was highly correlated with depressive symptoms and weight and shape concern among BSC [ 57 ].…”

El estilo de vida y su relación con la obesidad

“…En referencia a la temática propuesta, existen diversos hallazgos sobre el estilo de vida y la obesidad. Tal es el caso, del estudio realizado por Godoy et al (2021), en el que se enfoca en el objetivo de determinar la influencia de los factores de estilos de vida en el índice de masa corporal, la relación en cuanto al estilo de vida poco saludable y a su exceso de peso.…”