Ocena jakości życia osób z nadmierną masą ciała za pomocą formularza WHOQOL-BREF

INTRODUCTION. The assessment of quality of life should be an important part of therapeutic process in patients with excessive body mass. The aim of this study was to compare quality of life in overweight and obese patients who sought medical attention. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The WHOQOL-BREF was used with 26 items which analyse four life facets and two extra items from the overall quality of life and general health. Fifty one subjects, who contacted the dietician in ambulatory clinic in Medical University of Gdansk were included (33 F, 18 M, mean age 57.3 ± 11.4 y.; mean BMI 33.9 ± 5.7 kg/m2, range 25.7–51.1 kg/m2). RESULTS. We found reduced life quality in psychological domain in comparison to other facets (physical health, social relationships, environment). The perception of general health and quality of life in all four domains was statistically worse in obese (n = 36) than in overweight (n = 15) subjects. However there were no differences in answering the question about the overall quality of life in both groups. CONCLUSIONS. The WHOQOL-BREF assessment demonstrates the reduction in life quality in obese subjects in comparison to overweight. The complex management of overweight and obesity should include detailed assessment of life quality and consequently help to face the stressful situations and give emotional support to the patient.