Psychological Issues Associated With Obesity

Excerpt

Obesity is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess body fat. It is typically the result of an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure. The current recommendation to identify obesity is regarding body mass index (BMI). A person with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or more is defined as an obese individual. Obesity is a significant health concern worldwide because it is a risk factor for many diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancers. Obesity typically results from genetic changes, environmental influences, biological factors, and behavioral influences.

In 2022, obesity had reached pandemic proportions, with 1 in 8 people worldwide living with the condition. The prevalence of obesity has increased significantly since 1990, more than doubling among adults and quadrupling among children and adolescents. In 2022, an estimated 2.5 billion adults aged 18 and over were overweight, with 890 million of them living with obesity. This translates to 43% of adults being overweight and 16% living with obesity. The childhood obesity crisis is also alarming. In 2022, 37 million children under 5 were overweight. The situation is even more dire for older children and adolescents aged 5-19, with over 390 million being overweight, including 160 million living with obesity.[WHO, Obesity and Overweight]

Despite the escalating global prevalence of obesity, individuals grappling with this condition frequently encounter pervasive societal stigma and discrimination, precipitating a cascade of psychological challenges. These encompass diminished self-worth, distorted body perception, dissatisfaction with one's physical appearance, and a pervasive negative self-concept. This societal scrutiny often engenders profound feelings of seclusion, melancholy, and anxiety, amplifying the vulnerability to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. Furthermore, the distress stemming from these encounters may exacerbate the propensity towards developing maladaptive eating behaviors, ranging from compulsive overeating to extreme dietary constraints, as affected individuals grapple with emotional turmoil or societal pressures. Notably, obesity can function as both a catalyst and a consequence of stress as individuals contend with the complexities of managing health issues, societal norms, and personal aspirations, culminating in chronic stress and emotional upheaval. The apprehension of social judgment frequently prompts withdrawal from communal engagements, fostering a cycle of isolation and desolation. Moreover, the pervasive stigma surrounding obesity permeates various facets of life, precipitating discrimination across multiple domains, thereby further compromising mental well-being and diminishing the overall quality of life.