A comparative study of psychosocial factors of obesity

Abstract

Aims: The present study aims to find out how obese adults differ from nonobese adults with respect to self-concept, various domains of family environment, and general well-being. Subjects and Methods: A sample of sixty individuals within age group 21–50 years, selected using purposive sampling from obesity and lifestyle clinic of a hospital, was divided into obese and nonobese groups on the basis of body mass index (BMI) (≥25 kg/m2), with thirty individuals in each group. The sample was assessed on the basis of Self-concept Inventory (Shah, 1986), Family Environment Scale (Bhatia and Chadha, 1993), and General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28; Goldberg and Miller, 1979). Statistical Analyses: Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, Chi-square test, and correlational analysis. Results: Results showed statistically significant differences between the obese and nonobese individuals with respect to various domains of self-concept, family environment, and general well-being. Significant gender differences were found among the obese group with respect to different variables. Significant correlations between BMI and the different variables were also found. Conclusions: The findings imply several significant psychological and social issues associated with obesity in comparison to nonobese individuals. This underscores the need for nonmedical interventions (along with medical ones) for risk minimization and prevention.