A systematic review of the quality of psychometric evidence supporting the use of an obesity-specific quality of life measure for use with persons who have class III obesity.

With global obesity rates at 42%, there is a need for high-quality outcome measures that capture important aspects of quality of life for persons with obesity. The aim of this paper was to systematically review and critique the psychometric properties and utility of the impact of weight on quality of life-lite (IWQOL-Lite) for use with persons who have class III obesity. Databases were searched for articles that addressed obesity-specific quality of life. A critical appraisal of the psychometric properties of the IWQOL-Lite and connection to a quality of life conceptual framework was completed. Raters used a standardized data extraction and quality appraisal form to guide evidence extraction. Two articles that reviewed obesity-specific quality of life measures were found; none were based on a systematic review. Six articles on the IWQOL-Lite met the criteria for critical appraisal using guidelines. The mean quality score for these articles was 59.2%. Concepts measured were consistent with the biopsychosocial concept of health defined by the World Health Organization. There is limited but consistent evidence that the IWQOL-Lite is a reliable, valid and responsive outcome measure that can be used to assess disease-specific quality of life in persons with class III obesity.