Correlation Between Body Mass Index and Depression/Depression-Like Symptoms Among Different Genders and Races

Abstract

BackgroundWhile being overweight is a risk factor for hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, it can also be a risk factor for depression and vice versa. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of depression symptoms between genders and races. MethodologyA nationally representative sample was utilized to explore the relationship between depression-related symptoms and BMI status by comparing different genders and racial identities. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was used in this study. Data from 2013 to 2016 were included in the analysis. The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to collect information regarding responses to eight primary questions based on gender, race, and BMI status. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis and the chi-square test. ResultsData were presented as percentages. A majority of both men and women who admitted to having depression or depression-like symptoms more than half the days or nearly every day were overweight or obese. However, men had a higher prevalence compared to women for most questions. Statistical analysis showed that among men and women who felt down, depressed, or hopeless nearly every day, 61.5% (χ 2 = 5.045, p = 0.992) and 50.9% (χ 2 = 17.186, p = 0.308) were overweight, respectively. Among the races, those who felt down, depressed, or hopeless nearly every day, non-Hispanic Asian individuals had the lowest percentage of being overweight at 47.7% (χ 2 = 7.099, p = 0.955), while Hispanic individuals other than Mexican Americans had the highest percentage of being overweight at 67.4% (χ 2 = 8.792, p = 0.721). ConclusionsBeing overweight or obese appears to have a positive relationship with depression and depression-like symptoms for each gender and race. Similarly, individuals who report having depression-like symptoms are likely to be overweight or obese. Further research is needed to determine other differences in etiologies between genders and races, along with determining whether more individuals become depressed due to being overweight or obese or whether more individuals become overweight or obese due to being depressed. The results of this study are limited to the data obtained through NHANES.

Association Between Symptoms of Depression and Generalised Anxiety Disorder evaluated through PHQ-9 and GAD-7 and anti-obesity treatment in Polish Adult Women

“…As we anticipated, both GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores demonstrated a positive correlation with BMI. This is consistent with prior studies using these assessment tools [22,23,24] and aligned with meta-analyses indicating a relationship between body weight and depressive and anxiety disorders [6,7]. This connection is complex, with current understanding suggesting an interplay between psychological and biological pathways [6].…”

The Nonlinear Relationship Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Perceived Depression in the Chinese Population

“…For example, some studies use Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze the linear association between BMI and depression, 8 , 82 , 83 detecting the bidirectional effects between the two factors. 84 Moreover, descriptive analysis and Chi-square tests are used to demonstrate the strong association between high BMI and depressive symptoms, as well as the gender differences therein, 7 which may be attributed to shared risk factors like reduced physical activity. 85 Latent growth models are also employed to analyze the heterogeneous relationships between BMI and depression in terms of gender and socioeconomic factors, 86 revealing that overweight men are at an increased risk of depression, while this association is not significant in women.…”

“…On the one hand, some studies demonstrate a significant positive association between BMI and depression, 7 , 8 finding that obese persons are at greater risk of depression for many reasons including physical inactivity, poorer quality of life and social prejudice. 9 On the other hand, however, some studies find that high levels of BMI help to reduce the risk of depression, 10 because a larger BMI means a higher reserve of muscle and skeletal mass, which helps to reduce depressive symptoms.…”

Twenty-four hour activity-count behavior patterns associated with depressive symptoms: A big data-machine learning approach

“…Age was associated with a gradual increase in depressive symptoms, especially among older individuals [60]. Furthermore, a study on the relationship between depressive symptoms and BMI anticipated that overweight or obese individuals would experience more severe depressive symptoms, regardless of their racial background [61]. There are gender differences in depressive disorder, where women are more likely to have a higher prevalence of depression than men [62].…”