Weight change and psychological state in obese women

Data were collected during a three-month double-blind trial of evening primrose oil (EPO) in 100 obese females attending a hospital obesity clinic. Initial weight was not related to subsequent weight loss. There was, however, a significant correlation between change in mood and change in weight, with weight loss being associated with improved mood state and weight gain with increased disturbance. Such associations were strongest for patients who were new to the clinic, as opposed to refractory patients, and for patients who were initially depressed, as opposed to those who were not psychologically disturbed. It is suggested that new patients have a swift psychological response to even minor changes in weight and that, because of a risk of increasing depression, particular attention should be given to obese patients who fail to show any weight loss.