DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.12160 ISSN: 0924-9338

Assessment of the relationship between obesity and the level of anhedonia and self-assessment of mental state in patients with schizophrenia

A. Borowska, K. Kowalczyk, M. Wadoń, Z. Mielczarek, M. Reclik, K. Krysta, B. Trędzbor

Introduction

The lifespan of patients with schizophrenia is significantly shorter compared to the general population. One of the reasons is the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this group. Treatment with neuroleptics reduces levels of dopamine, the main neurotransmitter in the reward system. Researchers have explored links between obesity, anhedonia, and the severity of clinical symptoms of schizophrenia.

Objectives

To assess the relationship between obesity and the level of anhedonia and self-assessment of mental state in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Anthropomorphic assessment (height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure) was performed in two groups of patients with schizophrenia:those with normal weight: BMI < 25 (n=22) and those with obesity: BMI > 30 (n=21).

Patients completed scales assessing the level of anhedonia (SHAPS) and the Severity of Schizophrenia Symptoms Scale (FBS).

Statistical analysis was performed.

Results

The distribution of the presented data was determined to be different from normal in the Shapiro-Wilk test performed, which had a power (alpha) of 5%, with a p-value of <0.05. Therefore, the purpose of the analysis of variables was to use the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, resulting in values: p=0.048.

The relationship between normal BMI and BMI in the obesity range and the number of points on the SHAPS scale is statistically significant (Graph 1).

The distribution of the presented data was determined to be different from normal in the Shapiro-Wilk test performed, which had a power (alpha) of 5%, with a p-value of <0.05. Therefore, the purpose of the analysis of variables was to use the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, resulting in values: p=0.771.The relationship between normal BMI and BMI in the obesity range and the number of points on the FBS scale is not statistically significant (Graph 2). Conclusion drawn from the analysis:

Image 1:

Image 1: Long description.

Image 2:

Image 2: Long description.

Conclusions

Patients with obesity exhibit a greater number of symptoms of anhedonia compared to patients with normal body weight.

Patients with obesity do not exhibit a greater number of symptoms on the FBS scale compared to patients with normal body weight.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

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