Meta-analysis of the association between body mass index and health-related quality of life among adults, assessed by the SF-36

Ul-Haq, Z., Mackay, D.F. , Fenwick, E. and Pell, J.P. (2013) Meta-analysis of the association between body mass index and health-related quality of life among adults, assessed by the SF-36. Obesity, 21(3), E322-E327. (doi: 10.1002/oby.20107)

Abstract

<p>Objective: Obesity is associated with impaired overall health-related quality of life but individual studies suggest the relationship may differ for mental and physical quality of life. A systematic review using Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and ISI Web of Knowledge, and random effects meta-analysis was undertaken.</p> <p>Design and Methods: Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they were conducted on adults (defined as age >16 years), reported an overall physical and mental component score of the SF-36, and, or both. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and publication and small study biases using funnel plots and Egger's test. Between-study heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression.</p> <p>Results: Eight eligible studies provided 42 estimates of effect size, based on 43,086 study participants. Adults with higher than normal body mass index had significantly reduced physical quality of life with a clear dose-response relationship across all categories. Among class III obese adults, the score was reduced by 9.72 points (95% Confidence Interval 7.24, 12.20, P < 0.001). Mental quality of life was also significantly reduced among class III obese (−1.75, 95% confidence interval −3.33, −0.16, P = 0.031), but was not significantly different among obese (class I and class II) individuals, and was significantly increased among overweight adults (0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.17, 0.67, P = 0.001), compared to normal weight individuals. Heterogeneity was high in some categories, but there was no significant publication or small study bias.</p> <p>Conclusions: Different patterns were observed for physical and mental HRQoL, but both were impaired in obese individuals. This meta-analysis provides further evidence on the impact of obesity on both aspects of health-related quality of life.</p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mackay, Professor Daniel and Fenwick, Professor Elisabeth and Pell, Professor Jill
• Authors: Ul-Haq, Z., Mackay, D.F., Fenwick, E., and Pell, J.P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment
• Journal Name: Obesity
• ISSN: 1930-7381
• ISSN (Online): 1930-739X
• Published Online: 16 April 2013