The causes of severe obesity are multifactorial and include metabolic, dietary, physical, and psychological aspects. Additionally, the impact of severe obesity affects more than one's physical health. This article attempts to explore the psychological impact of severe obesity specifically in the areas of mood, eating disorders, sleep disturbance, chronic pain, and quality of life. Additionally, obesity treatment options of lifestyle modification and bariatric surgery that include psychological assessment and/or cognitive behavioral intervention are discussed.
Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Chronic pain; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Eating disorders; Health psychology; Lifestyle modification; Mood; Quality of life; Severe obesity; Sleep.