Effect of Weight Reduction on Obesity-specific Quality of Life (QOL) in Obese Subjects

Lee, Ji Soo; Shin, Chan Im; Kim, Beom Taeg; Lee, Kwan Woo; Park, Hye Soon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that the quality of life of obese patients is reduced. In this regard, this study attempts to investigate if there are any changes in the quality of life (QOL) of obese patients after the intervention. METHOD: Obese patients with BMI over 27 kg/cm2 enrolled in obesity clinics located in urban areas (36 men and 59 women). A longitudinal clinical intervention study involving a 12-week weight reduction program, including life style modification and adjuvant appetite suppressants, was performed. Anthropometry and metabolic risk factors were measured before and after weight reduction. Quality of life was also measured before and after weight reduction using the KOQOL (Korean version of Obesity-related QOL scale) version 1.0
RESULTS
Weight reduction (-6.3 kg) resulted in significant improvement on total score of KOQOL including the domains of social health, work, lifestyle, and sexual activity. Women showed a more significant improvement on KOQOL score than men. Subjects younger than 40 years showed a more significant improvement on KOQOL score than those older than 40 years. The subjects who lost 5~15% of their weight showed a more significant improvement on KOQOL score than those with either a reduction of less than 5% or greater than 15% of their weight.
CONCLUSION
Our study demonstrated a significant improvement in the quality of life after weight reduction in obese patients. Women and younger patients showed greater improvement on QOL through weight reduction. Moderate weight reduction (5~15%) had greater benefit on the quality of life among obese patients.