Obesity and the relationship with positive and negative affect
Julie A Pasco1, Lana J Williams, Felice N Jacka
1School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia. juliep@barwonhealth.org.au
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|March 26, 2013
Summary
Obesity is linked to higher negative emotions, such as distress and anger. This association is lessened when physical illness is considered, suggesting a complex relationship.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Overweight and obesity are significant public health concerns.
- Understanding the psychological correlates of excess weight is crucial for comprehensive health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cross-sectional relationship between overweight/obesity and positive/negative affect.
- To explore how psychological states relate to body mass index (BMI) in adult women.
Main Methods:
- 273 women from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study (GOS) were analyzed.
- Body mass index (BMI) determined overweight/obesity; affect assessed using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).
Main Results:
- Higher BMI correlated with increased negative affect scores.
- Obesity showed a significant association with higher negative affect (OR = 1.95).
- This link was attenuated when physical illness was accounted for.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is associated with greater negative affect, encompassing emotions like distress and shame.
- Physical illness appears to mediate the relationship between obesity and negative affect.
- Further research into pathological, neurobiological, and psychosocial factors is recommended.
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