OBJECTIVE: Describe disease burden, management and impact of obesity on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and work.
METHODS: Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey of physicians and people with obesity/ overweight (PwO), whom physicians manage on a weight management programme, or using anti-obesity medications, from October 2023- April 2024 (n = 250). PwO were defined as those with current or previous Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30, or current or previous BMI≥27 with at least one weight-related co-morbidity. Physicians completed a survey on their opinions, then reported demographics, clinical characteristics and healthcare resource use for their consecutive 8 qualifying PwO. PwO were invited to complete a questionnaire containing SF-36v2.0 Health Survey (scores range from 0 - 100, with higher scores indicating better HRQoL), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (higher scores indicating greater impairment and less productivity), and questions regarding their perception regarding their weight. Analyses were descriptive and presented by BMI category.
RESULTS: Of a total 250 PwO, mean age was 51.4 (SD=14.3) and 47.2% were male. In terms of ethnicity, 80.8% were Caucasian, 12.8% were of Asian descent, and 1.2% were Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander. Mean BMI at diagnosis was 37.2 (SD=6.5) and mean current BMI was 36.0 (SD=6.6). Current BMI obesity categories were: class 1 - 34.0%, class 2 - 26.4%, class 3 - 21.6%. On average PwO presented to health care professionals with 3.0 co-morbidities (SD=2.2). The most common co-morbidities were hypertension (45.2%), dyslipidemia (35.2%), depression (23.6%) and Type 2 diabetes (17.2%). Mean component SF-36 component summary scores were: physical, 46.4 (SD=9.4), mental, 46.4 (SD=10.5). Mean±SD overall work impairment scores: 16.3 (SD=23.5).
CONCLUSION: The current study documented that in Australian adults living with obesity there is a large impact on daily life and work. Future awareness of this when managing PwO could help optimise outcomes.