Depression and Body Image Disturbances Among Females Seeking Treatment for Obesity in Saudi Arabia.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Psychiatry, Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia

2 Epidemiology and Research Unit, Department of Preventive Medicine, Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia

3 Department of Family Medicine, Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Obesity is an increasingly prevalent disease around the world and is becoming one of the main public health problems in developed countries. The relationship between obesity and psychological distress continued to be debated by researchers and clinicians alike. This study aimed at assessing depression and body image disturbances in obese patients seeking treatment for obesity. A case-control design was adopted in the study. A total of [236] obese women, self-referred to a residential weight-loss facility for weight control, were invited to participate in this study. Obese women were compared with [296] of a control group [of the same age range, but with normal weight]. All participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory for depressive symptoms, Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire for body-image satisfaction and The Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire.
Results revealed that obesity was more common among older than younger females, among married than single females, and among those with lower level of education than those with higher level. Obese women as compared with non-obese reported significantly more symptoms of depression and significantly more negative body image.
Conclusions: The present results indicate a high frequency of depressive symptoms, and concern with body image among obese patients. Therefore, obese  women who seek treatment should be screened for depression and body image dissatisfaction.

Keywords

Journal of High Institute of Public Health
Volume 36, Issue 4
October 2006
Pages 929-944

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