Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Depression? A Multi-institutional Study Done at an Urban Setting in South India

Objective: To study the association between obesity and depression after controlling the effects of other confounders prevalent in an urban setting. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients and their attenders visiting two tertiary care hospitals in Mangalore city. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D-20) scale was used to screen participants for depression. Weight and height of participants were recorded using standard procedures. Results: Mean age of the 298 participants was 40.7 ± 14.9 years. Overweight or obesity was observed among 168 (56.4%) participants. As many as 147 (49.3%) participants were at risk of depression. In univariate analysis, female participants aged ≤ 40 years with overweight or obesity (p = 0.008), widow/widowers (p = 0.0.046), those with a current history of alcohol consumption (p = 0.0472), presence of hypertension (p = 0.0426), presence of any co-morbidities (p = 0.002) and those with a family history of mental health problems (p = 0.0097) were associated with risk of depression. In multivariable analysis, family history of mental health problems among participants was associated with the risk of depression. Conclusion: Obesity and depression were quite prevalent among participants in this study but were not associated. However, family history of mental health problems was independently associated with risk of depression among participants. Thus, familial and genetic factors need to be further analysed to control depression at this setting.