Depressive and anxious symptoms in patients with high body mass index

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is increasingly prevalent and being associated with mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is known that this association is found in both sides, because depression and anxiety favor the development of obesity, just as obesity increases the incidence of these. Objective: To address and quantify the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in obese patients, that is, with a high body mass index (BMI). Methods: Cross-sectional analytical observational study, with a quantitative approach and primary data collection through a questionnaire based on Hamilton’s Depression Rate Scale and Beck's depression and anxiety scales and the body mass index (kg/m²) by measuring weight and height. Results: Although the results are in agreement with the scientific literature, which indicates higher rates of Anxiety and Depression Disorders in overweight and obese individuals, in this study there was no statistically significant association in the data collected. Thus, the results found were probably random, not indicating an association between the variables. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and anxiety obtained in overweight and obese patients was variable and there was no relationship with the prevalence of eutrophic patients, however, the prevalence in the population studied, in general, was high.