The Correlation Between Obesity, Food Addiction, Anxiety & Depression

Obesity is a multifaceted disease with physiological, psychological and social influences. While physiological factors, such as basal metabolic rate, can influence an individual’s BMI (Body Mass Index), obesity is primarily determined by behavior: excess food intake and a sedentary lifestyle greatly contribute to weight gain. An individual’s behavior is influenced by many factors, including their desires, perceptions, and social pressures. Therefore, psychological conditions can greatly impact an individual’s eating habits, thereby affecting that person’s BMI. This endeavor involved exploration of the potential effects of food addiction, anxiety, and depression on obesity. A survey consisting of an amalgamation of the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) was utilized, enabling objective assessment of the presence of food addiction, depression, or anxiety in patients, respectively. Patients were approached either in one of four Rowan SOM Family Medicine offices, or via online survey posted on social media sites. Data was collected anonymously with no patient identifiers. Analysis of data revealed a significant correlation between obesity and depression, anxiety, and multiple criteria for food addiction