Mental disorders in patients with obesity in comparison with healthy probands

Findings concerning the association of obesity and mental disorders are inconsistent. The present epidemiological study investigates adjusted 4-week, 12-month, and lifetime prevalence rates of mental disorders in obese individuals compared with physically healthy probands and overweight individuals. Correlates of the associations are examined.

Prevalence rates were calculated from two large epidemiological surveys from both the general population of Germany and inpatient centers. The surveys investigated subjects with obesity (n=910) and overweight (n=1550), as well as physically healthy probands (n=495). The prevalence rates were based on the Munich-composite international diagnostic interview, a standardized interview for the assessment of mental disorders. Correlates of mental disorders in obese individuals were assessed using self-report questionnaires and medical examinations.

The adjusted odds ratios (OR) of obese inpatients and obese patients from the general population were significantly elevated in comparison with healthy probands for the 4-week (OR: 2.2; 2.3), 12-month (OR: 1.8; 2.7) and lifetime (OR: 1.4; 2.0) periods. Prevalence rates of overweight individuals were below those of obese individuals. Mood, anxiety and somatoform disorders were most frequent. In particular, sex, marital status and comorbid musculoskeletal diseases proved to be correlates of an increased risk for mental disorders in obese individuals. The presence of comorbid mental disorders was associated with significantly increased health care use and lower quality of life.

There is a strong relationship between obesity and mental disorders. A future task is to improve care of mental disorders in patients with obesity.