Obese Adolescents Report Better Health-Related Quality of Life than Obese Young Adults

Abstract

Impairment in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is described as a major concern for severely obese adolescents seeking intentional weight loss. We aimed to compare HRQOL in obese adolescents seeking weight loss with body mass index (BMI)-matched younger adults and community norms. Eighty-one adolescents (14-18.8 years) with BMI 30-60 kg/m(2) completed the Short Form (SF)-36 prior to commencing a weight loss program. Each adolescent was matched for BMI and gender with two obese adults seeking weight loss, 10 and 20 years older, respectively. The groups were compared across all eight scale scores and mental and physical component summary scores (MCS and PCS). Summary scores were also compared to community norms. The adolescents had higher scores than those in their 20s for all SF-36 scales and summary scores, indicating better HRQOL. Compared with community norms, obese adolescents had lower PCS and comparable MCS scores. Both groups of adults had lower PCS scores, but MCS was lower in those in their 20s compared with both adolescents and those in their 30s. There were no gender differences in patterns of responses across the three age groups. Obese adolescents seeking intentional weight loss have significant impairment in physical aspects of HRQOL, but self-reported mental HRQOL appears to be similar to community controls. In contrast, obese participants in their 20s report clinically significant impairment in mental HRQOL. When considering adolescents for bariatric surgery, careful assessment is needed. We need a greater understanding of the emotional distress reported by those in their 20s.