Introduction
The World Health Organization reports that worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, and once believed to affect affluent countries, overweight and obesity are also on the rise in low- and middle-income nations, particularly within urban centers. The burden of the psychosocial aspects of obesity requires further study (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Moreover, mental health complications and emotional distress play a significant role in treatment-seeking and have profound implications on the success of treatment regimens (Sarwer & Polonsky, 2016). To equitably address the physiological and mental challenges posed by obesity, social prescribing models offer approaches that are both equitable and accessible. Data has indicated that Link Worker social prescribing models foster self-assurance, lessen social isolation, and bring about beneficial changes, such as weight loss, heightened physical activity, better mental health, improved long-term condition management, enhanced resilience, and more effective relapse coping strategies (Moffatt et al., 2017; Jayasinghe et al., 2023). Therefore, it is imperative to adopt a multidisciplinary lens when approaching the often understudied intersection of obesity and mental health, further highlighting the critical need for integrative and equitable treatment approaches, through modes such as social prescribing programs.
Methods
A comprehensive literature review was performed concerning mental health, obesity, and existing social prescribing models. This review encompassed systematic exploration of academic sources, databases, and references, utilizing keywords, refining queries, and applying filters to extract valuable information and contribute to the existing knowledge base.
Results
Employing a multi-method strategy to combine quantitative and qualitative research, facilitating the evaluation of interventions for obesity and mental health, community groups, social prescribing models, and their feasibility for implementation.
Conclusions
Obesity, a chronic disorder and significant public health issue, is intricately linked to heightened mortality, morbidity, and mental health problems (Devlin and Wilson, 2000). These adverse effects extend beyond medical concerns. Despite the literature's call for comprehensive system-based strategies to combat obesity, practical instances generating pertinent evidence or successful policies remain scarce. The multifaceted approach to prevent
obesity-related illnesses and enhance overall well-being outlined here aims to bridge this evidence gap.
References
Devlin, M. J., Yanovski, S. Z., & Wilson, G. T. (2000). Obesity: What mental health professionals need to know. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157(6), 854–866. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.6.854
Jayasinghe, S., Holloway, T. P., Soward, R., Patterson, K. A. E., Ahuja, K. D. K., Dalton, L., Murray, S., Hughes, R., Byrne, N. M., & Hills, A. P. (2023). “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”: Proposal for a social prescribing strategy for obesity prevention and improvement in health and well-being. JMIR Research Protocols, 12, e41280. https://doi.org/10.2196/41280
Moffatt S, Steer M, Lawson S, et al. Link Worker social prescribing to improve health and well-being for people with long-term conditions: qualitative study of service user perceptions. BMJ Open 2017;7:e015203. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015203
Sarwer, D. B., & Polonsky, H. M. (2016). The psychosocial burden of obesity. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, 45(3), 677–688.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecl.2016.04.016
World Health Organization [WHO]. (2021). Obesity and overweight.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight