Obesity, Anxiety, Depression and Sexual Desire: A Study on a Sample of Obese Patients
Objective: Evaluate the presence of anxiety and depression in a group of male and female patients, either overweight or obese, after a first medical examination at the dietetics dept. at Ospedale Maggiore in Novara. Evaluate sexual desire both in autoerotism and in a couple situations. Evaluate the relationship between sexual desire, anxiety and depression. Evaluate the perception patients have of their body and the presence of anger (state and trait) analyzing its main components. Design and Method: 100 patients were included in the study. The study protocol consists of: sociodemographic data, HADS, Sexual Desire Inventory, BC Scale and STAXI 2. Results: The levels of anxiety, depression and dissatisfaction on every patient’s body are elevated. There was evidence of low levels of sexual desire in the female sample and normal levels in men. There were no statistically significant associations between depression, anxiety and low sex drive. In both sexes there is a tendency to control the rage within. Men mostly express rage verbally while women express it physically. Conclusions: Proper nutrition is helpful to sexuality and mood.