Obesity, Weight & Depression
Obesity Study Aim
Obesity and Depression - examine the temporal relation and determine if
each constitutes a risk factor for the other.
Obesity Study Design
A two-wave, 5-year observational study with all measures at both times.
Obesity Study Subjects
A total of 2123 subjects, 50 years of age and older, who participated
in the 1994 and 1999 waves of the Alameda County Study.
Obesity Study Measurements
Obesity defined as body mass index (BMI) 30. Depression assessed using
DSM-IV symptom criteria for major depressive episodes. Covariates include
indicators of age, gender, education, marital status, social support,
life events, physical health problems, and functional limitations.
Obesity Study Results
Obesity at baseline was associated with increased risk of depression 5
years later, even after controlling for depression at baseline and an
array of covariates. The reverse was not true; depression did not increase
the risk of future obesity.
Obesity Study Conclusion
These results, the first ever on reciprocal effects between obesity and
depression, add to a growing body of evidence concerning the adverse effects
of obesity on mental health. More studies are needed on the relation between
obesity and mental health and implications for prevention and treatment.
Source: International Journal of Obesity
(2001)
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