Considering psychological factors

It is worth listening to the language that the patient uses to describe themselves or their eating behaviours to gauge the extent to which they may have internalised negative stereotypes of obesity (internalised weight bias).

Formal assessment of depression may also be required given that depression is a common co-morbidity in people with overweight or obesity. The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) is a very brief screening tool that can be used in the clinical setting.¹ A negative result to both questions is considered a negative result for depression. If a patient has a positive response to one or both questions, then a more detailed screening tool such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)² can be administered. This can help guide medical referral for follow-up. You can download a hard copy or view copies of the questionnaires below: Other psychological factors that you should consider in your assessment include pain catastrophising, fear of movement and low self efficacy (low confidence).