노년기 비만군과 정상 체중군 간의 우울 성향 비교

A Comparison of the Depressive Predisposition between Obese and Non-Obese Elderly

Objective : Obesity has been considered to be associated with numerous physical, mental and psychological diseases. Depression, which is a major psychological factor affecting occurrence and treatment of obesity, can be a cause of obesity as well as can be triggered by obesity. This study aimed to find out the need of positive consideration to the existence of depressive mood in the management of obesity. Methods : A total of 101 subjects were enrolled among those who were 60 years old and over at one local clinic. Obese group (n=49) was defined as BMI${\geqq}$25 and normal weight group (n=52) as 20$5.2{\pm}2.5$) was significantly higher than that of the normal weight group ($3.8{\pm}1.7$)(p<0.05). In male subjects, there was no significant difference in the mean GDSSF-K score between both groups, but in female subjects, the mean GDSSF-K score of the obese group, $6.4{\pm}2.6$ was significantly higher than that of the normal weight group ($4.0{\pm}1.8$)(p<0.05). Conclusion : The elderly obese group showed higher depressive scale score than elderly normal weight group, especially in female elderly. Since the elderly obese female group had a depressive predisposition, comprehensive management including mental and psychological approach is required in obesity control programs.