Mixed
Obesity (BMI ≥30) significantly increases the risk of developing depression over time, with a pooled odds ratio of 1.55, and this association is stronger in American populations and for clinical diagnoses compared to depressive symptoms.
If you have obesity, be aware that it may increase your risk of developing depression, particularly if you are in a culture with strong thinness ideals (like the US). This risk is mediated by biological factors like inflammation and stress hormones, as well as psychological factors like body dissatisfaction. Treating obesity may help reduce depression risk, and treating depression may help manage weight, suggesting a bidirectional approach to care is beneficial.
Obesity at baseline increased the risk of onset of depression at follow-up (unadjusted OR, 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-1.98; P<.001). This association was more pronounced among Americans than among Europeans (P=.05) and for depressive disorder than for depressive symptoms (P=.05).
Why this rating
This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 longitudinal studies with a large sample size (N=58,745 for obesity-depression link), providing high-quality evidence.
Source
Overweight, Obesity, and Depression
Floriana S. Luppino et al. · Archives of General Psychiatry · 2010
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