SCOPE E-Learning: Obesity and Mental Health

This is a two-part module on the interaction of obesity and mental health.

Part 1 focuses on the high prevalence of common mental disorders in people living with obesity and the high levels of obesity in patients who live with serious mental illness. People with serious mental illness die 15-20 years younger than their counterparts due to metabolic illnesses, often as a consequence of obesity. We present neural and psychological responses to food, the gut-brain axis, microbiome and epigenetic factors involved in the development of overweight and overeating. The role of anti-psychotic medication in causing weight gain and mitigating steps that clinicians might take to prevent or help weight gain is explored as is the role of psychological support to those with obesity.

Part 2 focuses on understanding the psychologist’s or psychiatrist’s role in a multi-disciplinary approach to management of obesity, in the understanding that obesity is an illness which affects and is affected by mental health. The evidence from a move away from a gatekeeper role is considered, and the psychological factors which might increase either physical or psychological risk from bariatric surgery is explored, clarifying how these might be reduced or mitigated by intelligent psychological involvement, integrated working across services and appropriate liaison and onward referral to specialist mental health services where indicated. Eating disorders, alcohol use disorder and suicide and self-harm post operatively are explored in more detail. The evidence base for psychological interventions to support good outcomes after bariatric surgery is presented.

Duration: 01:30hrs