Article Text
Abstract
The aim of this research was to better understand the psycho-social context of obesity to inform prevention and treatment of obesity at both the individual and public health level. A representative sample of middle-aged adults aged 40+ years recruited in Great Britain (GB) (N=1182) underwent interview assisted survey to explore associations between waist circumference (WC), demographic factors, physical activity, dietary habits (FFQ), life events (LES), Resilience (RS11), Mood (MS), Hopelessness (BDI) and Perceived Stress (PSS4). Data were analysed using multiple linear regression analysis for which predictors were entered simultaneously in four blocks: (1) demographic factors; (2) stressful life events; (3) diet/activity; and, (4) psychological measures. Continuous measures (age, years of education and psychometric scores) were adjusted to determine any interactions with sex. Being male, older, having spent fewer years in education, not working, being sedentary, having experienced more illness-related life events and lower scores on the resilience scale were all independent predictors of a larger WC. Intervention to promote physical activity and resilience may help to ameliorate mid-section obesity, particularly among older males.