Obesity and quality of life in adolescents

Abstract

Background: Obesity may interfere with social, psychological and physical activities. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between obesity and health related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated 7563 students (54.4% females) aged 12-18 years (14.8±1.8) from Viseu, Portugal. Obesity was evaluated by the body mass index (BMI) calculated by ratio of self-reported weight and square of the height (Kg/m2), according to the Cole et al tables, and classified into three groups: “normal weight” (< 25.0), “overweight” (25.0 to 29.9), and “obese” (> or = 30.0). The HRQOL was assessed by SF36 (ranging from 0 to 100) which includes eight dimensions. Proportions were compared by chi-square test and continuous variables by the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The total scores of SF36 are significantly lower in overweight and obese adolescents (80.3±13.5 vs. 79.6±13.8 vs. 75.0±14.3, p<0.01, in the male sex and 74.1±13.5 vs. 73.3±14.2 vs. 69.3±16.0, p<0.01, in the female sex). For all dimensions that compose the scale we can verify lower scores among overweight and obese adolescents. The overweight adolescents referred more feelings of marginality relatively to their colleagues/friends (19.6% vs. 13.7%, p<0.01 in the male sex and 24.6% vs. 16.1%, p<0.01 in the female sex) and more feelings of inferiority relatively to their colleagues/friends (38.8% vs. 11.1%, p<0.01 in the male sex and 29.5% vs. 20.8%, p<0.01 in the female sex). Conclusions: Overweight and obesity were associated with impaired HRQOL, with deterioration of physical and emotional well-being. The impairment of HRQOL found in obese adolescents can be associated with restrictions, even though subtle, in daily life.