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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Obesity | Research article

Age and gender specific association between obesity and depressive symptoms: a large-scale cross-sectional study

Authors: Wei Liao, Zhicheng Luo, Yitan Hou, Ningning Cui, Xiaotian Liu, Wenqian Huo, Fang Wang, Chongjian Wang

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

This is a cross-sectional study to explore the age and gender specific association between obesity and depression in Chinese rural adults.

Methods

A total of 29,900 eligible participants from the Henan Rural Cohort Study were included. Standard anthropometric measurements were undertaken to obtain data on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) was utilized to discover depressive symptoms. Logistic regression was performed to explore the association between obesity (independent variable) and depressive symptoms (dependent variable).

Results

There were 1777 subjects with depressive symptoms, accounting for 5.94%. After multivariable adjustment, compared with normal weight group, the odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence interval (CI)] for depressive symptoms in underweight, overweight and general obese groups were 1.41 (1.08–1.84), 0.87 (0.78–0.97) and 0.86 (0.74–0.99), respectively. Similarly, the OR (95% CI) of abdominal obesity group was 0.84 (0.76–0.93). Besides, there was linear decreasing trend of WC with depressive symptoms, but not BMI. Moreover, the inverse association between obesity and depressive symptoms was stronger in men and the elderly than that in women and the young.

Conclusion

Underweight was associated with a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, which indicated that health care should pay attention to underweight as well as obesity, especially for women and the young.

Clinical trial registration

The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: 2015-07-06.

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Title: Age and gender specific association between obesity and depressive symptoms: a large-scale cross-sectional study
Authors: Wei Liao
Zhicheng Luo
Yitan Hou
Ningning Cui
Xiaotian Liu
Wenqian Huo
Fang Wang
Chongjian Wang
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Obesity
Obesity
Mood Disorders
Underweight
Affective Disorder
Underweight
Overweight
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09664-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Age and gender specific association between obesity and depressive symptoms: a large-scale cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical trial registration

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