The obestrung personality: A clinical confounder of obesity

Authors

  • Sanjay Kalra Department of Endocrinology, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, India; University Center for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India.
  • Komal Verma Department of Psychology, British University Bahrain, Bahrain.
  • Nishant Raizada Department of Endocrinology, University of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
  • Nitin Kapoor Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Non communicable disease unit, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.25-77

Abstract

This communication defines and describes the obestrungpersonality trait, which can be a clinical confounder ofobesity. Obestrung (based upon high-strung) personalitycan be defined as a trait characterized by excessivepreoccupation with weight, weight loss, weight lossstrategies and weight loss outcomes. Timelyidentification and alleviation of such attitudes andbehaviour is important. This is because excessive stress,through release of cortisol and proinflammatorycytokines, can hamper efforts at weight loss. Empathiceducation and explanation, along with support from allstakeholders (health care team, family, friends, society) isthe treatment of choice. A few persons may need referralto a mental health professional.

Keywords: Barophenotype, bariatric surgery, baromania,obesity, overweight, psychology, psychosomatic disease.

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Published

2025-09-25

How to Cite

Sanjay Kalra, Komal Verma, Nishant Raizada, & Nitin Kapoor. (2025). The obestrung personality: A clinical confounder of obesity. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 75(10), 1642–1643. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.25-77

Issue

Vol. 75 No. 10 (2025): OCTOBER

Section

BAROCRINOLOGY

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.