Relations of mood with body mass index changes in severely obese women enrolled in a supported physical activity treatment.
OBJECTIVE
It has been suggested that physical activity may affect weight reduction outcomes through associated improvements in mood. Relations of physical activity, mood, and weight change are not well understood in persons classified as severely obese (BMI > or = 40 kg/m(2)), however. This research tested these relationships in women with severe obesity.


METHODS
57 women with a mean BMI of 43.8 kg/m(2) were enrolled in a cognitive-behavioral exercise support treatment with group-based nutrition information. Measurement of depression, tension, overall mood, and BMI was taken at baseline and month 6, and exercise session attendance was recorded.


RESULTS
The treatment was associated with significant improvements in depression, tension and total mood disturbance scores as well as in BMI over 6 months. Changes in mood scores that were more positive were correlated with a greater reduction in BMI. Mean attendance in the prescribed 3 session/week exercise regimen was 46.0%, and attendance was significantly correlated with changes in tension and total mood disturbance scores, and approached significance with changes in depression scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggested significant relations of mood and weight change as well as of physical activity and mood in severely obese women associated with a treatment of moderate physical activity. With extensions of this research, weight loss theory and treatment may benefit.
Annesi
James J
JJ
YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, 100 Edgewood Avenue, NE, Suite 1100, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. jamesa@ymcaatlanta.org
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015431:Weight Loss; D055815:Young Adult