Objective: To determine the association between overweight, physical and mental health conditions and health-related quality of life in an adult community population upon entering a new primary care practice.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Method: Baseline data from 4825 participants (mean age: 39 years; 55% women) in the Utrecht Health Project; a dynamic primary care population study with a response rate of over 50%, were used to determine and compare the prevalence of diagnosed medical conditions, complaints and quality of life between individuals of normal weight (BMI 18.5-< 25 kg/m2) and those who were overweight (BMI 25-< 30 kg/m2) or obese (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2). Normal weight was used as the reference category.
Results: Overweight individuals were approximately twice as likely to have cardiovascular risk factors and had a 20-60% increased risk of back pain, arthrosis, migraine, dyspepsia and respiratory symptoms than those of normal weight. Obese individuals were almost twice to four times more likely to have these conditions and were additionally at increased risk of obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and arthritis (range of odds ratios (ORs): 1.9-3.3). Somatization and reduced physical well-being were more common among both overweight (ORs: 1.2-1.5) and obese (ORs: 1.7-3.7) individuals, whereas only obese individuals demonstrated a 30-50% increased risk of mental health conditions and reduced mental well-being.
Conclusion: Overweight was associated with a broad range of physical and mental health conditions and a reduced health-related quality of life. Routine measurement of BMI upon entering a primary care practice is relatively simple and may contribute to the identification of individuals at high risk of comorbidity.