G Osei-Assibey et al. Self-Reported Psychosocial Health in Obese Patients before and after Weight Loss. Journal of Obesity, 2010;pii:372463.

Psychosocial profiles were examined in 255 morbidly obese patients attending a hospital service offering access to standard weight loss therapies. A total of 129 patients were reassessed after at least 6-month follow-up. At baseline, 51.8% and 32.7% of patients, respectively, had evidence of anxiety and depressive disorders, 24% had severe impairments in self- esteem, and 29.7% had an increased risk of eating disorders. At follow-up, weight loss from baseline was significant in all three therapies: diet only is 0.74 +/- 1.8 kg; pharmacotherapy is 6.7 +/- 4.2 kg; and surgery is 20.1 +/- 13.6 kg. Anxiety scores improved in all three groups (P < .05). Patients having pharmacotherapy or surgery had significant improvements in physical and work function and public distress compared to those having dietary treatment only (P < .05).

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: Osei-Assibey and associates concluded that their observational data suggest that weight management services can lead to psychosocial benefit in morbidly obese patients. Well-designed studies are necessary to examine the link between weight loss and emotional health.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE CONSUMER: These are impressive findings. There is need not only for a long-term study to investigates links between weight loss and emotional health, but also to compare fully the differences that emerge with application of the three interventions.