Obesity beyond aesthetics: mobility, sexuality, and quality of life
Obesity is a chronic multifactorial condition associated with metabolic, functional, and psychosocial repercussions that go beyond traditional clinical outcomes. This study conducted an integrative review of the literature published between 2005 and 2024, with the aim of critically analyzing the associations between obesity, functional mobility, quality of life, sexual function, and body image, as well as the effects of different intervention modalities. Observational studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses indexed in PubMed, Scielo, Web of Science, and Scopus were included. The findings indicate that obesity compromises mobility through biomechanical and inflammatory mechanisms and the presence of sarcopenia, being associated with poorer functional performance and greater dependence in activities of daily living. A consistent impairment in health-related quality of life was observed, especially in the physical domains, with a significant influence of metabolic profile and weight stigma on psychological outcomes. Sexual dysfunction was highly prevalent in obese men and women, mediated by hormonal, endothelial, and psychosocial changes. Weight loss interventions, particularly bariatric surgery, promoted relevant improvements in mobility, quality of life, and sexual function, although some patients maintained residual psychological symptoms. Additional evidence indicates that body contouring procedures contribute to the recovery of self-image and psychosocial well-being after massive weight loss. It is concluded that the impact of obesity is multidimensional and that integrated therapeutic strategies involving physical rehabilitation, psychological support, and long-term follow-up are essential to restore functionality, sexual health, and quality of life.
Obesity beyond aesthetics: mobility, sexuality, and quality of life
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.5157426180211
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Palavras-chave: Obesity, Quality of life, Functional mobility, Sexual function
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Keywords: Obesity, Quality of life, Functional mobility, Sexual function
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Abstract:
Obesity is a chronic multifactorial condition associated with metabolic, functional, and psychosocial repercussions that go beyond traditional clinical outcomes. This study conducted an integrative review of the literature published between 2005 and 2024, with the aim of critically analyzing the associations between obesity, functional mobility, quality of life, sexual function, and body image, as well as the effects of different intervention modalities. Observational studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses indexed in PubMed, Scielo, Web of Science, and Scopus were included. The findings indicate that obesity compromises mobility through biomechanical and inflammatory mechanisms and the presence of sarcopenia, being associated with poorer functional performance and greater dependence in activities of daily living. A consistent impairment in health-related quality of life was observed, especially in the physical domains, with a significant influence of metabolic profile and weight stigma on psychological outcomes. Sexual dysfunction was highly prevalent in obese men and women, mediated by hormonal, endothelial, and psychosocial changes. Weight loss interventions, particularly bariatric surgery, promoted relevant improvements in mobility, quality of life, and sexual function, although some patients maintained residual psychological symptoms. Additional evidence indicates that body contouring procedures contribute to the recovery of self-image and psychosocial well-being after massive weight loss. It is concluded that the impact of obesity is multidimensional and that integrated therapeutic strategies involving physical rehabilitation, psychological support, and long-term follow-up are essential to restore functionality, sexual health, and quality of life.
- vania sarubo loca
- Marcelo Bechara
- Presper Feres Daher Filho
