The obestrung personality: A clinical confounder of obesity

This communication defines and describes the obestrung personality trait, which can be a clinical confounder of obesity. Obestrung (based upon high-strung) personality can be defined as a trait characterized by excessive preoccupation with weight, weight loss, weight loss strategies and weight loss outcomes. Timely identification and alleviation of such attitudes and behaviour is important. This is because excessive stress, through release of cortisol and proinflammatory cytokines, can hamper efforts at weight loss. Empathic education and explanation, along with support from all stakeholders (health care team, family, friends, society) is the treatment of choice. A few persons may need referral to a mental health professional.