Sense of coherence, health locus of control, and quality of life in obese adults: physical limitations and psychological normalcies

Abstract

To assess differences between overweight and normal-weight adults in sense of coherence (SOC), health locus of control (HLOC), and health-related quality of life (HQOL). Cross-sectional population study (Augsburg, Germany). Random sample aged 25-74 (N=947). Body mass index (BMI) was categorized into four groups (normal-weight: 18.5-25; pre-obesity: 25-29.9; moderate obesity: 30-34.9; severe obesity: > or =35). The associations between obesity classification and SOC-13T, MHLOC-Scales, and SF-12 summary scores were estimated via analysis of covariance. Adjusted for age and socio-economic status, no differences across BMI-groups related to SOC, internal HLOC, external HLOC-'chance', and SF-12-'mental health'. HLOC-'doctors' was marginally elevated in obese women. Larger differences pertained to SF-12-'physical health' in that it was considerably reduced in obese women and severely obese men. In this adult population sample, obesity is not associated with SOC, HLOC, and HQOL in terms of mental health, but is associated with poorer physical health, which was reported by all groups of obese women, and by severely obese men. These results underline the need to treat and prevent obesity to restore and promote physical HQOL, and to distinguish moderate vs. severe obesity in obesity research.