The relationship between weight history and psychological health-Differences related to gender and weight loss patterns.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and burden of obesity continues to grow worldwide. Psychological comorbidities may not only influence quality of life, but may also hinder successful weight loss. The causality between excess weight and mental health issues is still not fully understood. The aim of the study was to investigate whetherweight history parameters, (ie.age of onset) are related to psychological comorbidities. METHOD: The data were derived from a representative telephone survey in Germany, collecting information on weight loss patterns and mental health outcomes among individuals with BMI>30kg/m2. Overall, 787 participants were examined in terms of depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, GAD7). In addition, participants were asked about different aspects of their weight history (ie. weight loss patterns and trajectories) over the lifespan. The relationship between weight history and mental health was analyzed using multivariate statistics. RESULTS: According to regression analyses, having had more weight loss attempts, a greater weight loss being desired and being a "weight maintainer" was associated with more symptoms of depression (p < 0.001), whereas a greater desired weight loss and being categorized as a "weight maintainer" was associated with more anxiety (p < 0.001). Moroever, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was significantly higher in male individuals who desire to lose more weight or had more weight loss attempts in the past. CONCLUSION: Gender-specific differences were observed in terms of weight history parameters, as well as mental health outcomes. Especially for men, weight loss patterns seem to be related to depressive symptoms. Concerning the overall results, it becomes clear that screening for weight history at the beginning of a multidisciplinary weight loss program in the context of gender-specific psychological comorbidities is important. The question remains why some aspects of weight history seem to be more important than others.

The impact of BMI on psychological health in oldest old individuals-Are there differences between women and men?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the association of mental health issues associated with BMI and gender in the oldest old population (secondary data analyses). METHOD: The data were taken from the second follow-up of a long-term study investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health in oldest old individuals (range: 77-96 years). The response rate was 80.0%. Apart from sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, weight and height); anxiety, depression, somatic complaints and social support were assessed in this survey. RESULTS: Analyses revealed gender-specific differences, indicating that male participants with excess weight show more complaints compared to their counterparts without excess weight. According to regression results, BMI was associated with somatization, but not depression or anxiety. CONCLUSION: High BMI contributed to more somatic complaints and men may be affected differently by BMI regarding their mental well-being. Longitudinal results are needed in order to confirm these findings and develop suitable interventions based on individual needs of the oldest old.