Obesity and mental health are growing public health problems. Previous studies have suggested a link between increased adiposity and depression and well-being; This research also suggests that certain lifestyle factors modulate the relationship between adiposity, depression or well-being.
A significant association between BMI and depression scores
The study, cross-sectional, is carried out among 1,821 participants aged 46 to 73 years followed in primary care. Depression and well-being were assessed using recognized scales, and the team examined relationships between mental health scores and adiposity, defined here as body mass index (BMI). and the waist-to-height ratio. The analysis reveals:
- a positive association between BMI and waist-to-height ratio and depression scores;
- a significant inverse association between BMI and waist-to-height ratio and well-being scores, in men and women;
- these associations still hold after accounting for possible confounding factors, including demographic variables and lifestyle factors;
- the relationship between adiposity and depression appears more marked in women.
In conclusioneven if it is a association study which does not demonstrate a causal relationship, the results suggest that increased adiposity is significantly associated with poorer mental health, independent of lifestyle factors.
With implications for weight loss and management interventions.
