title: Assessment tools in obesity - psychological measures, diet, activity, and body composition.
abstract: The global increase in the prevalence of obesity has led to an increased need for measurement tools for research, management and treatment of the obese person. The physical size limitations imposed by obesity, variations in body composition from that of normal weight, and a complex psychopathology all pose tremendous challenges to the assessment of an obese person. There is little published research regarding what tools can be used with confidence. This review is designed to provide researchers and clinicians with a guide to the current and emerging measurement tools specifically associated with obesity research and practice. Section 1 addresses psychological measures of well being. Sections 2, 3, and 4 focus on the assessment of food intake, activity, and body composition. All sections address basic challenges involved in the study and management of obesity, and highlight methodological issues associated with the use of common assessment tools. The best available methods for use in the obese both in research and clinical practice are recommended.
authors.affiliation: Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Beechy
authors.forename: Jennie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Galpern
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Petrone
authors.forename: Sai Krupa
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Das
mesh_terms: D056044:Actigraphy; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D001835:Body Weight; D004032:Diet; D004327:Drinking Behavior; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017286:Polysomnography; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012890:Sleep; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires