Economic and humanistic outcomes associated with comorbid type-2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension among individuals who are overweight or obese.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol with economic and humanistic outcomes among overweight or obese individuals.

METHODS

Data were from the 2006 National Health and Wellness Survey and were limited to overweight or obese adults (BMI > 27). Outcomes assessed include the SF-8, resource use, and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. Independent effects of comorbid conditions were determined using linear regression models.

RESULTS

Significant associations between comorbid conditions and outcomes were noted. Comorbid conditions had significant independent effects on outcomes. The presence of all three comorbid conditions was the strongest correlate of work productivity loss (B = 13.992) and activity impairment (B = 13.397) and had the strongest negative association with SF-8 physical (B = -8.239) and mental summary scores (B = -2.605).

CONCLUSION

Among, overweight or obese individuals, comorbid conditions are associated with greater productivity loss, resource use, and poorer quality of life.