Mixed
Depression (symptoms or disorder) significantly increases the risk of developing obesity (BMI ≥30) over time, with a pooled odds ratio of 1.58, but does not significantly increase the risk of developing overweight (BMI 25-29.99).
If you have depression, be aware that it may increase your risk of developing obesity, especially if your depression is long-standing (≥10 years). This risk is driven by biological factors like stress hormones and lifestyle changes. Treating depression effectively may help prevent obesity, and managing weight may help alleviate depression, suggesting a bidirectional approach to care is beneficial.
Baseline depression (symptoms and disorder) was not predictive of overweight over time. However, depression increased the odds for developing obesity (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.33-1.87; P<.001).
Why this rating
This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 longitudinal studies with a large sample size (N=7,196 for depression-obesity link), providing high-quality evidence.
Source
Overweight, Obesity, and Depression
Floriana S. Luppino et al. · Archives of General Psychiatry · 2010
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