[Psychopathological comorbidity of obesity]

Obesity is one of the most important health problems in the early twenty-first century as it affects millions of people around the world and remains a major cause of mortality. At present there is no clear link between obesity and psychopathology, and whether the possible psychological disorders are a cause or a consequence of obesity has not yet been clarified either. This paper reviews some recent contributions (2007-2010) related to the comorbidity between psychopathology and obesity. It can be concluded from this analysis that certain psychological disorders seem to be more common in obese people, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, etc., although the direction of the explanatory relation is not clear; moreover, the opposite result has also been found. The evidence of likely comorbid psychopathology means that the practitioner must consider its assessment in obesity cases, and include a plan for a psychiatric and/or psychological therapeutic intervention.