The prevalence of obesity, especially severe obesity where body mass index (BMI) exceeds 40 kg m(-2) and where the physical risks are greatest, is increasing. However, little is known about the impact of severe obesity on psychological well-being and self-rated health (SRH). We aimed to investigate this relationship in patients attending an Irish weight management clinic. SRH was measured with a single-item inventory (excellent = 1, poor = 5). Well-being was measured with the validated World Health Organization-Five Well-being Index (WHO-5), in which scores <13 indicate poor well-being. Previous studies of the Irish population have reported mean SRH = 2.56 (males) and 2.53 (females) and mean well-being = 16.96. One hundred eighty-two (46.8%) completed questionnaires were returned. The sample was representative of the clinic population with a mean age of 47.1, mean baseline BMI of 51.9 kg m(-2) and 64.3% females. Mean SRH was 3.73 in males and 3.30 in females; mean well-being was 10.27 in males and 10.52 in females. In the final multivariable models, number of medications, depression and obstructive sleep apnoea, WHO-5 and current BMI were significant predictors of SRH, and secondary level education, social support and mindfulness scores were significant predictors of psychological well-being. Number of medications was not significant. The results suggest that the poor psychological well-being seen is not explained by the presence of comorbidities and that social support and mindfulness may be important targets for improving psychological well-being. Improving psychological well-being in addition to weight loss and effective management of comorbidities may be important for improving SRH.
Keywords: Comorbidities; depression; self-rated health; severe obesity.
© 2014 World Obesity.