Depression and Anxiety in Obese Patients Attending a Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51481/amc.v67i4.1520Keywords:
Obesity, Depression, Anxiety, RehabilitationAbstract
Introduction: Depression, anxiety, and obesity are prevalent conditions with multifactorial etiology and an increasing epidemiological impact. Obesity is not only associated with physical comorbidities but also with emotional disorders linked to chronic inflammatory processes. This study aims to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in obese patients undergoing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
Methods: Observational, descriptive, prospective, and cross-sectional study conducted between August 2024 and May 2025 in patients with obesity enrolled in a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program. The prevalence of depression and anxiety was assessed using the HADS scale, and patients were classified according to the levels proposed by Zigmond and Snaith. Anthropometric and clinical data were collected in accordance with international ethical standards. For statistical analysis, mean and standard deviation were used, and normality of distribution was evaluated using the Shapiro-Wilk test.
Results: A total of 146 patients with obesity undergoing rehabilitation were included, with a high prevalence of comorbidities and an average BMI of 27.7 ± 4.1 kg/m². Depression symptoms were present in 35.6% of the participants (M: 28.3% vs F: 51.1%) and anxiety symptoms in 39.7% (M: 35.4% vs F: 48.9%), indicating a higher incidence in women for both conditions. Anxiety showed a stronger correlation with central obesity.
Conclusions: A high prevalence of anxiety (39.7%) and depression (35.6%) was observed in obese patients undergoing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Obesity is associated not only with physical comorbidities but also with emotional disturbances linked to inflammatory and hormonal mechanisms. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that includes psycho-emotional support.
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