Psychosomatic Correlates in Obesity

Abstract

Obesity is considered to be a complex, multifactorial disease resulting from the interaction of genetic, environmental, physiological, biochemical, psychosocial, and behavioral factors. Although obesity is a physical disease, it can be considered a classic psychosomatic disorder because psychosocial factors are involved in its onset and course. Obesity is closely related to lifestyle habits, including eating behavior, which is particularly affected by stress in daily life. In addition, a high percentage of patients suffer from comorbid psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, eating, and sleep disorders. Recently, it has become clear that social prejudice and discrimination against people with obesity (obesity stigma) have more negative effects on mental health than obesity itself. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate not only the physical but also the psychosocial aspects of obesity and understand the interrelationship between the two, i. e., the psychosomatic correlation. It is also important to adopt a psychosomatic approach in the treatment of obesity.