Body Mass Index Stratified Physical and Psychological Correlates Among Vietnam Veterans

• Published in: Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) Md.), 2023-11, Vol.31, p.272-273
• Main Authors: Chacko, Thomas, Minnick, Alyssa, Faith, Myles, Broderick, Gordon, Allison, Kelly
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Body mass index; Insomnia; Mental disorders; Mental health; Post traumatic stress disorder; Sleep apnea
• ISSN: 1930-7381; 1930-739X

Background: Physical and mental health conditions are prevalent among Veterans. Less is known, however, about the relationship between body weight status and physical, mental, and behavioral conditions among Vietnam Veterans. Methods: Veterans completed a battery of self-report questionnaires (online or paper) as part of a larger cross-sectional study (N = 350; AgeMean = 74.4; SD = 3.6) to assess weight status, eating behaviors, sleep, mental health symptoms, and wellbeing. Results: Veterans were mostly White (95%), male (97.7%), from Army (55%), with some or two-year college (43%), with a pre-tax household income of 50,000 to 99,999 (50%), and currently married (76%). Veterans' BMIMean was 29.9 (SD = 5.7; Min = 19.2-Max = 60.8). Pearson correlation analyses indicated significant and positive associations between body mass index (BMI) and pain (r = 0.22), insomnia symptoms (r = 0.18), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; r = 0.54), night eating (r = 0.21), emotional eating (r = 0.19), and depression (r = 0.21). BMI had significant negative relationships with social support (r = -0.14), and resilience (r= -19). There were no significant findings between BMI and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, combat experience, and post-traumatic growth. When stratified by BMI, Normal weight (BMI = 19.2-24.9; n = 52) was not significantly associated with other variables, although the trends were in expected directions. Overweight (BMI = 25-29.8; n = 147) was significantly associated with insomnia (r = 0.17), emotional overeating (r = 0.20), OSA (r = 0.19), and depression (r = 0.22). Finally, obesity (BMI = 30-60; n = 151) was significantly associated with OSA (r = 0.38), and pain level (r = 0.22). Conclusions: Among older Veterans, BMI is related to distinct physical and psychological variables. Insights from the current study can inform clinical and empirical endeavors for the health benefits of older Veterans.