Growing to Adulthood While Becoming Obese Increases Depression Risk

Joel Yager, MD

Consistently obese young women and those who become obese have elevated risks for new-onset depression as they enter adulthood.

Studies examining obesity as a potential risk factor for depression among adolescent girls have been inconclusive. To explore this possible association in slightly older women, investigators analyzed national study data collected from 5243 young women at two points (at ages 13–18 and 19–25).

Overall, 78% were not depressed at either point, 4% were depressed at both time points, 7% developed new-onset depression between the two points, and 11% recovered from depression after the first time point. In analyses adjusting for race/ethnicity, family income, family education, self-reported health, and pregnancy histories, risk for new-onset depression was elevated in consistently obese young women (odds ratio, 1.97) and in those who became obese (normal weight at first time point: OR, 2.10; overweight at first point: OR, 1.86), compared with never-overweight young women. Stressful life events did not alter these risks. Consistently obese young women had elevated risks for consistent depression (i.e., at both points), but poor self-reported physical health accounted for this finding. Initial depression was not associated with subsequent obesity. No links between obesity and depression were found in young men or older women.

Citation(s):

Frisco ML et al. Weight change and depression among US young women during the transition to adulthood. Am J Epidemiol 2013 Jun 9; [e-pub ahead of print].