Background

Overweight and obesity affect over 73% of the US population and can lead to negative health outcomes. Given the relationships among obesity, neighborhood deprivation and income inequality, the current study aimed to evaluate the relationship between social determinants of health and biopsychosocial functioning of individuals with overweight and obesity.

Methods

Participants enrolled in a multimodal weight-management program completed online measures of anxiety, depression, and overall functioning. Neighborhood area deprivation index (ADI) scores were calculated, and Edmonton obesity stage score (EOSS), and insurance status data were extracted from electronic medical records.

Results

Participants (n=34) averaged 46 years of age (SD = 12.5; range 23-75), a BMI of 35.16 (SD = 9.1), were primarily White (88%), female (70%), and had private insurance (77%). National ADI scores ranged from the 9th to the 42nd percentile, most among the top 25% (67%; n=22). Public insurance holders reported significantly higher anxiety (t(8.5) = 2.66, p=.028), depression (t(32) = 2.84, p = .008), and functional disability (U=31, z=-2.57, p = .01) than private insurance holders. Neither insurance nor ADI were significantly related to EOSS stage or BMI. ADI was not significantly related to anxiety or depression scores.

Conclusions

Higher levels of depression, anxiety, and functional disability underscore the importance of ensuring access to care for under-resourced individuals with obesity or overweight. Program participants are mostly White and live in privileged areas, indicating that people attending weight management visits may face fewer barriers to care. Future research should evaluate strategies to increase engagement among under-resourced populations.