The effect of obesity on physical performance and psychosocial health: A comperative study

Aim: This study was planned to evaluate physical performance and psychosocial health in obese, preobese and normal body mass index individuals. Material and Method: A total of 123 participants between the ages of 20-49, 76.4% female (n= 94) and 23.6% male (n= 29) were evaluated in the study. Participants were divided into three groups according to body mass index and each group consisted of 41 participants. Sociodemographic characteristics were questioned with a descriptive questionnaire. Eating habits were assessed with 'DEBQ' and physical activity level was assessed with 'UFAA-Short Form'. 'Chester Step Test', 'Stork Balance Test', 'Y Balance Test', 'Sit and Reach Test', 'Trunk Lateral Flexion Test', 'McGill Core Endurance Test', '5 Times Sit to Stand Test', 'NYPDT' were used to assess physical performance. Psychosocial health was assessed with 'ASRS-v1.1' and 'WHOQOL-BREF'. Results: In the study, a significant difference was found between the groups in Y Balance Test, McGill Core Endurance Test, 5 Times Sit to Stand Test, WHOQOL-BREF and ASRS-v1.1 (p < 0.05). In this study, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio and waist-to-hip ratio were also evaluated and correlated with physical performance and psychosocial health sub-parameters (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was observed that obesity and preobesity may affect physical performance and psychosocial health. It is clear that studies with a larger sample size are needed in this regard. We think that our study may shed light on future intervention programs.