Waist circumference, abdominal obesity, and depression among overweight and obese U.S. adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006

The relationship between depression and relative fat mass (RFM): A population-based study

BACKGROUND

Relative fat mass (RFM) is a novel indicator for measuring body fat. The relationship between RFM and depression was explored using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005 to 2018.

METHODS

A general statistical description of the population included in the study was performed, and logistic analyses were used to explore the association between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), RFM and depression. Sensitivity analyses and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were also conducted to investigate the association between RFM and depression.

RESULTS

A total of 28,836 participants were included in the study. In multivariate models, all obesity indices were associated with depression (P < 0.001). An increase of 1 SD in BMI, WC, and RFM was associated with a respective increased risk of depression of 2.3 %, 1.0 %, and 3.3 %. Excluding those taking antidepressants, the risk of depression was OR 1.88 (95 % CI: 1.26-2.79) for those with RFM in the highest quartile compared with those in the lowest quartile. After Inverse probability of weighting (IPW), the risk of depression in individuals with RFM in the highest quartile compared with individuals in the lowest quartile was 2.62 (95 % CI: 2.21-3.09). The RCS showed a possible nonlinear relationship between RFM and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

RFM is associated with depression, suggesting that attention to RFM may be helpful for depression research.

Atherogenic Index of Plasma as a Mediator in the association between Body Roundness Index and Depression: insights from NHANES 2005-2018

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown a correlation between depression and obesity, as well as between depression and the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP). However, there is limited research on the association between visceral obesity and depression, as well as the potential mediating role of AIP in this relationship.

METHODS

This study included 13,123 participants from the 2005-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Visceral obesity was measured with the Body Roundness Index (BRI), while depression was evaluated with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The AIP served as a marker for lipid disorders. To investigate the association between the BRI and depression, multivariate logistic regressions, restricted cubic spline models, subgroup analyses, and interaction tests were used. Additionally, a mediation analysis was conducted to explore the role of AIP in mediating the effect of BRI on depression.

RESULTS

There was a positive linear correlation between the BRI and depression. After controlling for all covariates, individuals in the highest BRI (Q4) group had an OR of 1.42 for depression (95% CI: 1.12-1.82) in comparison with individuals in the lowest BRI (Q1) group. Moreover, the AIP partially mediated the association between the BRI and depression, accounting for approximately 8.64% (95% CI: 2.04-16.00%) of the total effect.

CONCLUSION

The BRI was positively associated with depression, with the AIP playing a mediating role. This study provides a novel perspective on the mechanism that connects visceral obesity to depression. Managing visceral fat and monitoring AIP levels may contribute to alleviating depression.

The relationship between body roundness index and depression: A cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018

BACKGROUND

Depression is linked to obesity. The body roundness index (BRI) provides a more accurate assessment of body and visceral fat levels than the body mass index or waist circumference. However, the association between BRI and depression is unclear. Therefore, we investigated this relationship using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database.

METHODS

In this population-based cross-sectional study, data from 18,654 adults aged ≥20 years from the NHANES 2011-2018 were analyzed. Covariates, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, marital status, poverty-income ratio, alcohol status, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, energy intake, physical activity, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were adjusted in multivariable logistic regression models. In addition, smooth curve fitting, subgroup analysis, and interaction testing were conducted.

RESULTS

After adjusting for covariates, BRI was positively correlated with depression. For each one-unit increase in BRI, the prevalence of depression increased by 8 % (odds ratio = 1.08, 95 % confidence interval = 1.05-1.10, P < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS

As this was a cross-sectional study, we could not determine a causal relationship between BRI and depression. Patients with depression in this study were not clinically diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

CONCLUSION

BRI levels were positively related to an increased prevalence of depression in American adults. BRI may serve as a simple anthropometric index to predict depression.

The possible association of dietary fiber intake with the incidence of depressive symptoms in the Korean population

OBJECTIVES

This study investigates the effect of dietary fiber on the prevention of depressive symptoms.

METHODS

In a cohort of 88,826 Korean adults (57,284 men and 31,542 women), we longitudinally evaluated the risk of depressive symptoms according to quartiles of dietary fiber intake for 5.8 years of follow-up. A food frequency questionnaire was used in evaluating dietary fiber intake. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale, in which CES-D ≥ 16 was defined as depressive symptoms. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for depressive symptoms (adjusted HR [95% CI]). Subgroup analysis was performed for gender and BMI (≥25 or <25).

RESULT

In men, the risk of depressive symptoms significantly decreased with the increase of dietary fiber (quartile 1: reference, quartile 2: 0.93 [0.87-0.99], quartile 3: 0.91 [0.85-0.98] and quartile 4: 0.84 [0.77-0.92]). This association was more prominently observed in men with BMI ≥ 25 (quartile 1: reference, quartile 2: 0.95 [0.86-1.06], quartile 3: 0.88 [0.79-0.99] and quartile 4: 0.84 [0.73-0.97]). Women did not show a significant association between quartile groups of dietary fiber intake and the risk of depressive symptoms across subgroup analysis for BMI.

CONCLUSION

High intake of dietary fiber is potentially effective in reducing depressive symptoms in Korean men. The protective effect of dietary fiber on depressive symptoms may vary by gender and obesity.

Obesity and lipid indices as predictors of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and elderly Chinese: insights from a nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Depressive symptoms are one of the most common psychiatric disorders, with a high lifetime prevalence rate among middle-aged and elderly Chinese. Obesity may be one of the risk factors for depressive symptoms, but there is currently no consensus on this view. Therefore, we investigate the relationship and predictive ability of 13 obesity- and lipid-related indices with depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly Chinese.

METHODS

The data were obtained from The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Our analysis includes individuals who did not have depressive symptoms at the baseline of the CHARLS Wave 2011 study and were successfully follow-up in 2013 and 2015. Finally, 3790 participants were included in the short-term (from 2011 to 2013), and 3660 participants were included in the long-term (from 2011 to 2015). The average age of participants in short-term and long-term was 58.47 years and 57.88 years. The anthropometric indicators used in this analysis included non-invasive [e.g. waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and a body mass index (ABSI)], and invasive anthropometric indicators [e.g. lipid accumulation product (LAP), triglyceride glucose index (TyG index), and its-related indices (e.g. TyG-BMI, and TyG-WC)]. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to examine the predictive ability of various indicators for depressive symptoms. The association of depressive symptoms with various indicators was calculated using binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of depressive symptoms was 20.79% in the short-term and 27.43% in the long-term. In males, WC [AUC = 0.452], LAP [AUC = 0.450], and TyG-WC [AUC = 0.451] were weak predictors of depressive symptoms during the short-term (P < 0.05). In females, BMI [AUC = 0.468], LAP [AUC = 0.468], and TyG index [AUC = 0.466] were weak predictors of depressive symptoms during the long-term (P < 0.05). However, ABSI cannot predict depressive symptoms in males and females during both periods (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The research indicates that in the middle-aged and elderly Chinese, most obesity- and lipid-related indices have statistical significance in predicting depressive symptoms, but the accuracy of these indicators in prediction is relatively low and may not be practical predictors.

Dietary habits, depression and obesity: an intricate relationship to explore in pediatric preventive strategies

Obesity and depression represent major health problems due to their high prevalence and morbidity rates. Numerous evidences elucidated the connections between dietary habits and the incidence or severity of depression. This overview aims to investigate the intricate relationship between dietary patterns and depression with the objective of elaborating preventive strategies for childhood obesity. Literature data recognized that there is a link between mood and food choices, with certain foods selected for their impact on the brain's reward centers. This behavior parallels the one observed in substance addiction, suggesting a specific neural mechanism for food addiction that contributes to overeating and obesity. It is important to note the significant correlation between obesity and depression, indicating a shared biological pathway influencing these conditions. Stress substantially affects also eating behaviors, often leading to increased consumption of pleasurable and rewarding foods. This can trigger a cycle of overeating, weight gain, and psychological distress, exacerbating mood disorders and obesity. In addition, consumption of certain types of foods, especially "comfort foods" high in fat and calories, may provide temporary relief from symptoms of depression, but can lead to long-term obesity and further mental health problems. Understanding these complex interactions is critical to developing preventive strategies focusing on dietary, emotional, and environmental factors, thereby reducing the risk of obesity and mood disorders.

Cardiometabolic index is associated with increased depression: A population-based study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Depression is a common and complex psychiatric disorder, and lipid metabolism plays an important role in the development of psychiatric disorders such as depression. Cardiometabolic index (CMI) is a novel index that synthesizes two quantitative indicators of blood lipids (triglyceride(TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)) and human obesity-related parameters (waist height ratio (WHtR)). This study used NHANES data to explore the correlation between CMI and the incidence of depression.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Based on the data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018, multivariate logistic regression, sensitivity analysis, and smooth curve fitting were used to study the relationship between CMI and depression. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were used to investigate whether the association was stable in different populations. CMI was positively associated with depression in 7229 participants aged >20 years. In the fully adjusted model, each unit increase in CMI was associated with 36 % higher likelihood of depression symptoms [1.36(1.16,1.59)]. Participants in the highest quartile of CMI had a 62 % higher risk of depression than participants in the lowest quartile [1.62(1.17,2.23)]. This positive correlation was more pronounced in those with hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

CMI was associated with a higher PHQ-9 score and an increased likelihood of depression among US adults. Further large-scale prospective studies are still need to analyze the role of CMI in depression.

The association between weight-adjusted-waist index and depression: Results from NHANES 2005-2018

OBJECTIVE

The weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI) serves as an innovative obesity measure, seemingly surpassing body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in evaluating lean and fat mass. This study aimed to explore the relationship between WWI and depression in United States (US) adults.

METHODS

This population-based study investigated adults with comprehensive WWI and PHQ-9 (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire) data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2018. WWI was computed by dividing WC by the square root of body weight. Weighted multivariate logistic regression and smoothed curve fitting were employed to examine linear and non-linear associations. Additionally, subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 34,528 participants were enrolled with a prevalence of depression of 7.61 %. WWI was positively related to depression with the full adjustment [odds ratio (OR) = 1.21, 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI): 1.13-1.29]. After converting WWI to a categorical variable by quartiles (Q1-Q4), compared to Q1 the highest WWI quartile was linked to an obviously increased likelihood of depression (OR = 1.51, 95 % CI: 1.29-1.76). Subgroup analysis revealed the stability of the independent positive relationship between WWI and depression (all P for trend >0.05).

CONCLUSION

WWI levels were positively related to an increased likelihood of depression in US adults. Our findings indicated that WWI may serve as a simple anthropometric index to predict depression.

Impact of health risk factors on healthcare resource utilization, work-related outcomes and health-related quality of life of Australians: a population-based longitudinal data analysis

Background

Health risk factors, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, overweight, obesity, and insufficient physical activity, are major contributors to many poor health conditions. This study aimed to assess the impact of health risk factors on healthcare resource utilization, work-related outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Australia.

Methods

We used two waves of the nationally representative Household, Income, and Labor Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey from 2013 and 2017 for the analysis. Healthcare resource utilization included outpatient visits, hospitalisations, and prescribed medication use. Work-related outcomes were assessed through employment status and sick leave. HRQoL was assessed using the SF-6D scores. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) with logit or log link function and random-effects regression models were used to analyse the longitudinal data on the relationship between health risk factors and the outcomes. The models were adjusted for age, sex, marital status, education background, employment status, equilibrium household income, residential area, country of birth, indigenous status, and socio-economic status.

Results

After adjusting for all other health risk factors covariates, physical inactivity had the greatest impact on healthcare resource utilization, work-related outcomes, and HRQoL. Physical inactivity increased the likelihood of outpatient visits (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.45, 1.76 p < 0.001), hospitalization (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.66-2.01, p < 0.001), and the probability of taking sick leave (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.21-1.41, p < 0.001), and decreased the odds of having an above population median HRQoL (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.45-0.51, p < 0.001) after adjusting for all other health risk factors and covariates. Obesity had the greatest impact on medication use (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.97-2.29, p < 0.001) after adjusting for all other health risk factors and covariates.

Conclusion

Our study contributed to the growing body of literature on the relative impact of health risk factors for healthcare resource utilization, work-related outcomes and HRQoL. Our results suggested that public health interventions aim at improving these risk factors, particularly physical inactivity and obesity, can offer substantial benefits, not only for healthcare resource utilization but also for productivity.

The effect of a low-calorie, high-protein diet on psychometric variables in obese individuals: a Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

The last decade has seen the increased prevalence of obesity as a public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. At the same time, studies have shown that there is a two-way relationship between low-calorie diets and depression in obese individuals. This study was designed and implemented to investigate the effect of a low-calorie high-protein diet on psychometric variables in obese individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study is a Randomized Clinical Trial. Individuals meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (low-calorie diet with increased protein percentage) or the control group (standard protein percentage) using block stratification. Psychometric characteristics of the participants were evaluated using the DASS-21 questionnaire.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in enrollment between the two groups with respect to anthropometric variables, body composition, and physical activity (p-value > .05). Similarly, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of psychological variables (depression, anxiety and stress) (p-value > .05). However, the intervention groups had significantly lower depression and anxiety scores 15 days into the intervention (p-value < .05). After 30 and 60 days of intervention, significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of depression, stress, and anxiety (p-value < .05), indicating a relative improvement in psychometric variables in the intervention group (p-value < .05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that low-calorie diets with a high-protein percentage can significantly improve psychometric variables in obese people.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: IRCT20221101056371N1..

Factors associated with the combination of general and abdominal obesity in middle-aged and older Korean women: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

To identify factors associated with general and abdominal obesity in middle-aged and older Korean women based on the biopsychosocial model.

METHODS

Data from 4,076 women aged ≥45 years who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2015 to 2020 were analyzed. Complex sampling analysis was performed using IBM SPSS ver. 26.0.

RESULTS

The combination of general and abdominal obesity was positively associated with age ≥65 years, postmenopausal status, and without breastfeeding experience among biomedical factors; depressive symptoms and prolonged (≥8 hours a day) sedentary behavior among psychosocial factors; and an educational level lower than middle or high school graduation and the first and second income quantiles among biosocial factors.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare providers in communities and public societies should screen for risk factors for the combination of general and abdominal obesity while considering non-modifiable biomedical (e.g., age) and biosocial factors (e.g., educational level). In addition, intervention strategies should be developed by considering modifiable psychosocial factors such as sedentary behavior.

Association of Plant-Based Diet Indices and Abdominal Obesity with Mental Disorders among Older Chinese Adults

We aimed to explore the correlation between plant-based diet indices and abdominal obesity with depression and anxiety among older Chinese adults. This study used a cross-sectional design using data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). We used a simplified food frequency questionnaire to evaluate the overall plant-based diet index (PDI), the healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and the unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI) separately, based on the potential health effects of the foods. Waist circumference (WC) was used to define abdominal obesity. The 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) were applied to estimate depression symptoms and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Multi-adjusted binary logistic regression models were conducted to explore the effects of the three plant-based diet indices, abdominal obesity status, and their interaction on depression and anxiety. We enrolled a total of 11,623 participants aged 83.21 ± 10.98 years, of which 3140 (27.0%) participants had depression and 1361 (11.7%) had anxiety. The trend in the prevalence of depression/anxiety across increasing quartiles of the plant-based diet indices was statistically significant after controlling for potential confounders (p-trend < 0.05). Abdominal obesity was related to a lower prevalence of depression (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77-0.95) and anxiety (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.69-0.90) compared with non-abdominal obesity. The protective effects of the PDI and hPDI against depression (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.41-0.64; OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.48-0.73, respectively) and anxiety (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57-1.00; OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.39-0.70, respectively) were more pronounced in non-abdominally obese participants. The harmful effects of the uPDI against depression (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.42-2.23) and anxiety (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.16-2.10) were more pronounced in non-abdominally obese participants. In addition, a significant interaction between the plant-based diet indices and abdominal obesity was observed in terms of causing the prevalence of depression and anxiety. Consuming more of a healthful plant-based diet and less of an animal-based diet is related to a lower prevalence of depression and anxiety. A healthful plant-based diet plays a vital role in non-abdominally obese individuals.

Predicting depressive symptom by cardiometabolic indicators in mid-aged and older adults in China: a population-based cross-sectional study

Objective

Depressive symptom is a serious mental illness often accompanied by physical and emotional problems. The prevalence of depressive symptom in older adults has become an increasingly important public health priority. Our study used cardiometabolic indicators to predict depressive symptom in middle-aged and older adults in China.

Methods

The data came from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011 (CHARLS2011), which was a cross-sectional study. The analytic sample included 8,942 participants aged 45 years or above. The study evaluated the relationship between cardiometabolic indicators and depression by measuring 13 indicators, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-height ratio (WHtR), conicity index, visceral adiposity index (VAI), Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), triglyceride glucose index (TyG-index) and its correlation index (TyG-BMI, TyG-waist circumference, TyG-WHtR). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between thirteen cardiometabolic indicators and depressive symptom. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and area under curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the predictive anthropometric index and to determine the optimum cut-off value.

Results

The study included 8,942 participants, of whom 4,146 (46.37%) and 4,796 (53.63%) were male and female. The prevalence of depressive symptom in mid-aged and older adults in China was 41.12% in males and 55.05% in females. The results revealed that BMI [AUC = 0.440, 95%CI: 0.422-0.457], waist circumference [AUC = 0.443, 95%CI: 0.425-0.460], WHtR [AUC = 0.459, 95%CI: 0.441-0.476], LAP [AUC = 0.455, 95%CI: 0.437-0.472], BRI [AUC = 0.459, 95%CI: 0.441-0.476], CVAI [AUC = 0.449, 95%CI: 0.432-0.467], TyG-BMI [AUC = 0.447, 95%CI: 0.429-0.465], and TyG-waist circumference [AUC =0.452, 95%CI: 0.434-0.470] were weak predictors of depressive symptom (p < 0.05) in males. In females, BMI [AUC = 0.470, 95%CI: 0.453-0.486], LAP [AUC = 0.484, 95%CI: 0.467-0.500], TyG-BMI [AUC = 0.470, 95%CI: 0.454-0.487], and TyG-waist circumference [AUC =0.481, 95%CI: 0.465-0.498] were weak predictors of depressive symptom (p < 0.05). On the other side, VAI, ABSI, conicity index and TyG index could not predict depressive symptom in middle-aged and older adults.

Conclusion

Most cardiometabolic indicators have important value in predicting depressive symptom. Our results can provide measures for the early identification of depressive symptom in middle-aged and older adults in China to reduce the prevalence of depressive symptom and improve health.

Obesity as pleiotropic risk state for metabolic and mental health throughout life

Obesity, a highly prevalent disorder and central diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome, is linked to mental health by clinical observations and biological pathways. Patients with a diagnosis of obesity may show long-lasting increases in risk for receiving psychiatric co-diagnoses. Austrian national registry data of inpatient services from 1997 to 2014 were analyzed to detect associations between a hospital diagnosis of obesity (ICD-10: E66) and disorders grouped by level-3 ICD-10 codes. Data were stratified by age decades and associations between each pair of diagnoses were computed with the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method, providing odds ratios (OR) and p values corrected for multiple testing. Further, directions of the associations were assessed by calculating time-order-ratios. Receiving a diagnosis of obesity significantly increased the odds for a large spectrum of psychiatric disorders across all age groups, including depression, psychosis-spectrum, anxiety, eating and personality disorders (all p_corr < 0.01, all OR > 1.5). For all co-diagnoses except for psychosis-spectrum, obesity was significantly more often the diagnosis received first. Further, significant sex differences were found for most disorders, with women showing increased risk for all disorders except schizophrenia and nicotine addiction. In addition to the well-recognized role in promoting disorders related to the metabolic syndrome and severe cardiometabolic sequalae, obesity commonly precedes severe mental health disorders. Risk is most pronounced in young age groups and particularly increased in female patients. Consequently, thorough screening for mental health problems in patients with obesity is urgently called for to allow prevention and facilitate adequate treatment.

Predicting depressive symptoms in middle-aged and elderly adults using sleep data and clinical health markers: A machine learning approach

OBJECTIVES

Comorbid depression is a highly prevalent and debilitating condition in middle-aged and elderly adults, particularly when associated with obesity, diabetes, and sleep disturbances. In this context, there is a growing need to develop efficient screening methods for cases based on clinical health markers for these comorbidities and sleep data. Thus, our objective was to detect depressive symptoms in these subjects, considering general biomarkers of obesity and diabetes and variables related to sleep and physical exercise through a machine learning approach.

METHODS

We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016 data. Eighteen variables on self-reported physical activity, self-reported sleep habits, sleep disturbance indicative, anthropometric measurements, sociodemographic characteristics and plasma biomarkers of obesity and diabetes were selected as predictors. A total of 2907 middle-aged and elderly subjects were eligible for the study. Supervised learning algorithms such as Lasso penalized Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) were implemented.

RESULTS

XGBoost provided greater accuracy and precision (87%), with a proportion of hits in cases with depressive symptoms above 80%. In addition, daytime sleepiness was the most significant predictor variable for predicting depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep and physical activity variables, in addition to obesity and diabetes biomarkers, together assume significant importance to predict, with accuracy and precision of 87%, the occurrence of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Association between depressive symptoms and pericardial fat in healthy older men and women

Depressive symptoms are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and inflammation may contribute to this relationship. Pericardial fat, a highly metabolically active fat depot, is implicated in the pathogenesis of CVD, but its association with depressive symptoms is unclear. This study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and pericardial fat over a three-year period. Participants were 543 healthy men and women (mean age = 62.9 years) without history or objective signs of coronary heart disease from the Whitehall II cohort. In men, depressive symptoms were positively associated with pericardial fat at baseline after adjustment for sociodemographics, waist to hip ratio and conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Inflammation, indexed by plasma interleukin 6 concentration, accounted for 17% of this association. Longitudinally, depressive symptoms did not predict pericardial fat three years later in men once baseline levels of pericardial fat were accounted for. No significant associations between depressive symptoms and pericardial fat were found in women. Overall, our findings suggest that greater pericardial fat might be a mechanism by which depressive symptoms are associated with increased risk for CVD in men, and inflammation may also lie on this pathway.

Pharmaceutical Side Effects and the Sex Differences in Depression and Distress

INTRODUCTION

Women suffer from depression at higher rates than men. This difference is well established, although a consolidated explanation remains elusive. This study examines the role played by medications with depression or suicidality as a potential side effect in explaining the sex difference in depression.

METHODS

Data were analyzed for 224,810 U.S. adults aged ≥18 years from the 2008-2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Linear and logistic regressions were used to assess the sex differences in distress and depression while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare access, health conditions, and the use of medications with depression or suicidality as a side effect.

RESULTS

41% and 28% of women used ≥1 medication with depression and suicidality as a side effect compared with 27% and 17% of men, respectively. When controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare access, and health conditions, women were more likely to report significant distress (OR=1.16, 95% CI=1.10, 1.24) and major depression (OR=1.12, 95% CI=1.07, 1.18) than men. In models that further adjusted for the use of medications with depression or suicidality as a side effect, the sex differences became statistically nonsignificant for both distress (OR=0.97, 95% CI=0.91, 1.03) and depression (OR=0.97, 95% CI=0.92, 1.02). Nonhormone medications (rather than hormone medications) with such side effects helped explain the sex differences in distress and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest a significant sex difference in pharmaceutical treatment and the potential consequences of pharmaceutical side effects on distress and depression. These results highlight the importance of pharmaceutical side effects in understanding health and health disparities.

Comparisons between Bioelectrical Impedance Variables, Functional Tests and Blood Markers Based on BMI in Older Women and Their Association with Phase Angle

The aim of the present study was to compare electrical bioimpedance variables, blood markers and functional tests based on Body Mass Index (BMI) in older women. Associations between Phase Angle (PhA) with functional tests and blood markers were also analyzed. A total of 46 independent elderly people participated in the study, and they were divided into four groups according to BMI values: Group 1 (G1, BMI < 25 kg/m2); Group 2 (G2, BMI > 25−30 kg/m2); Group 3 (G3, BMI > 30−35 kg/m2); Group 4 (G4, BMI > 35 kg/m2). In addition to the weight and height used to calculate the BMI, the following body composition variables were collected: fat mass (FM), fat-free mass, intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), total body water (TBW) and PhA (50 kHz) through InBody S10 equipment. Functional capacity was assessed using the Fullerton battery of tests: arm-curl; chair-stand; 6 min walking test (6MWT); time up-and-go test (TUG); standing on one leg (SOOL) and take 10 foot-lines (10FL). The main results showed differences between groups in the tests: 6MWT, SOOL and 10FL between G1 vs. G3 and G2 vs. G3 (p < 0.05); ACT, AIC and AEC between G1 vs. G4 (p < 0.05); FM among all groups (p < 0.05). Negative correlations were found between PhA and the agility test in G1 (r = −0.848; p = 0.008) and G4 (r = −0.909; p = 0.005); PhA and chair-stand in G3 (r = 0.527; p = 0.044); PhA and forearm flexion in G3 (r = 0.641; p = 0.010) and G4 (r = 0.943; p = 0.001); PhA and 6MWT in G4 (r = 0.771; p = 0.042). This study found that there is a clear trend towards better functional capacities with better parameters of body composition. Although there were no differences between groups in PhA, associations were found between different functional tests with PhA, which reveals the importance of this variable as a marker of health status.

Subjective experiences of physical activity and forecasting bias during behavioral weight loss

Introduction

Engagement in physical activity (PA) is a critical component of behavioral weight loss (BWL) treatment. Subjective experiences surrounding PA may shape exercise decisions and need to be further understood within a BWL sample.

Methods

Participants in this study were adults with overweight/obesity enrolled in an 18-month BWL program. At baseline, six, and 18 months, participants (N = 320) predicted how they would feel during a lab-based walking task and rated their experiences mid-walk and post-walk. They also completed self-report questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms and discomfort intolerance.

Results and Discussion

Results indicated that exercise experience and expectations were more positive at later treatment points than at baseline. At each assessment point, post-walk ratings were more positive than mid-walk ratings, but pre-walk ratings did not differ from mid-walk ratings, suggesting BWL participants were relatively accurate in predicting their PA experience. These results suggest treatment-seeking adults with overweight/obesity feel most positive upon completion of PA, may not experience a forecasting bias as hypothesized and seem to have increasingly positive PA expectations and experiences as they proceed through treatment and lose weight. Lower discomfort intolerance and depressive symptoms were associated with more positive PA expectations and experiences. Understanding these individual differences in PA experience can inform intervention strategies.

Protective Effects of Zingerone Against Depression-Like Behavior and Biochemical Changes in Chronic Stressed Rats: Antioxidant Effects

Ginger contains zingerone, an active constituent possessing antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. The present study was designed to explore the efficacy of the bioactive compound, zingerone, for treating behavioral and biochemical alterations in rats exposed to chronic restraint stress (CRS). Female Wistar rats were administered zingerone (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg p.o.) once daily for a period of 28 days while being exposed to CRS (6 h/day). Our results indicated that the stressed animals depicted depression-like behavior (reduced sucrose preference and increased immobility time) associated with increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) (cortex), decreased catalase (CAT) (hippocampus and cortex), and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (hippocampus and cortex). In addition, metabolic alterations were characterized by hyperglycemia and increased glycosylated hemoglobin in the CRS rats. However, no alterations were observed for learning and memory and in the levels of reduced glutathione. Repeated zingerone administration significantly reversed depression-like behavior elicited by CRS in rats. Furthermore, a significant antioxidant effect was exhibited by zingerone, as shown by decreased LPO and enhanced activity of SOD and CAT in chronically stressed rats. The findings of our study demonstrated that zingerone possesses protective actions against chronic stress-induced depressive-like behavioral, biochemical, and metabolic alterations and that its underlying mechanism may be attributed to its antioxidant properties. The results also signify its pharmacological and possible nutritional importance.

A Body Shape Index and Body Roundness Index in Relation to Anxiety, Depression, and Psychological Distress in Adults

Background

Despite the large evidence on the association between obesity and psychological disorders, studies investigating new anthropometric indices in relation to mental health are limited. We aimed to explore the association between A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and Body Roundness Index (BRI) and common psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, and psychological distress) among Iranian adults.

Methods

In this cross-sectional investigation, anthropometric measures of 3213 Iranian adults were gathered using a validated self-reported questionnaire. ABSI and BRI values of participants were calculated through pre-defined formulas. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) validated for Iranians were used to assess psychological distress, anxiety, and depression.

Results

Mean age of participants was 36.6 ± 7.73, and 62.8% of them were women. ABSI and BRI were higher in subjects with anxiety and psychological distress. Also, depressed participants had higher BRI. After considering potential confounders, individuals in the last tertile of ABSI, compared to the first tertile, had higher odds of anxiety (OR: 1.41, 95%CI: 1.04, 1.93) and psychological distress (OR: 1.39, 95%CI: 1.09, 1.79). Also, a marginal association was found between the highest category of ABSI and depression (OR: 1.27; 95%CI: 1.00, 1.61). In the sex-stratified analysis, ABSI was positively related to odds of anxiety (OR: 1.58; 95%CI; 1.12, 2.22), depression (OR: 1.40; 95%CI; 1.07, 1.84), and psychological distress (OR: 1.51; 95%CI; 1.13, 2.01) among women, but not men. We failed to find any significant association between BRI and depression, anxiety and psychological distress.

Conclusion

We found that ABSI was associated with anxiety, depression and psychological distress among females, but not males. However, we did not find a significant relation between BRI and the outcomes. Further prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.

Nighttime lights, urban features, household poverty, depression, and obesity

Nighttime Light Emission (NLE) is associated with diminished mental and physical health. The present study examines how NLE and associated urban features (e.g., air pollution, low green space) impact mental and physical wellbeing. We included 200,393 UK Biobank Cohort participants with complete data. The study was carried out in two steps. In Step1, we assessed the relationship between NLE, deprivation, pollution, green space, household poverty and mental and physical symptoms. In Step2, we examined the role of NLE on environment-symptom networks. We stratified participants into high and low NLE and used gaussian graphical model to identify nodes which bridged urban features and mental and physical health problems. We then compared the global strength of these networks in high vs low NLE. We found that higher NLE associated with higher air pollution, less green space, higher economic and neighborhood deprivation, higher household poverty and higher depressed mood, higher tiredness/lethargy and obesity (Rtraining_mean = 0.2624, P training_mean < .001; Rtest_mean = 0.2619, P test_mean < .001). We also found that the interaction between environmental risk factors and mental, physical problems (overall network connectivity) was higher in the high NLE network than in the low NLE network (t = 0.7896, P < .001). In areas with high NLE, economic deprivation, household poverty and waist circumference acted as bridge factors between the key urban features and mental health symptoms. In conclusion, NLE, urban features, household poverty and mental and physical symptoms are all interrelated. In areas with high NLE, urban features associate with mental and physical health problems at a greater magnitude than in areas with low NLE.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-02754-3.

Food habits and associated risk factors of depressed patients with cardiovascular disease

The present study was carried out to investigate food habits and associated risk factors of depressed patients with cardiovascular disease in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Depressed and healthy females (n = 30 each) and males (n = 30 each) aged 18–65 years were involved in this study. Sociodemographic, anthropometric proxies, and nutritional status were evaluated. Cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels of respondents’ blood were determined. The respondents were varied according to demographic factors and anthropometric proxies. The majority of depressed males had higher values than healthy ones. The student t-test analysis showed that the average daily intake of fat especially saturated fat, by depressed respondents was higher than that of the healthy ones as well as the dietary requirement intake (DRI). The analysis of respondents’ blood showed that the number of depressed females had higher abnormal HDL-c than males, who were observed to have an abnormal level of cholesterol and triglycerides. The correlation of daily nutrient intake and depression duration, depression severity, and age showed that the nutrients responsible for the extension and severity of depression were intake of food rich in dietary fat. Factors including demographics daily nutrient intake appeared to be associated with depression.

The menace of obesity to depression and anxiety prevalence

The incidence of depression and anxiety is amplified by obesity. Mounting evidence reveals that the psychiatric consequences of obesity stem from poor diet, inactivity, and visceral adipose accumulation. Resulting metabolic and vascular dysfunction, including inflammation, insulin and leptin resistance, and hypertension, have emerged as key risks to depression and anxiety development. Recent research advancements are exposing the important contribution of these different corollaries of obesity and their impact on neuroimmune status and the neural circuits controlling mood and emotional states. Along these lines, this review connects the clinical manifestations of depression and anxiety in obesity to our current understanding of the origins and biology of immunometabolic threats to central nervous system function and behavior.

General and Central Obesity Are Associated With Increased Severity of the VMS and Sexual Symptoms of Menopause Among Chinese Women: A Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Strong evidence has linked overweight and obesity to increased risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in Chinese populations. Menopause is considered associated with increased obesity and central body fat distribution. However, the correlation between obesity and menopausal symptoms has not been well studied.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations between obesity or abdominal obesity and menopausal symptoms as women progressed from premenopausal to postmenopausal status.

DESIGN

This study included 430 midlife Chinese women who had experienced natural menopause and were followed up for 10 years. Physical examinations and questionnaires should be completed annually. The questionnaires include the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and other physical and behavioral factors.

RESULTS

Among women who were not obese (n=345) or not abdominal obese (n=372) at baseline, 5.8% and 31.7% became obese or abdominal obese at the recent follow-up visit, respectively. Women at the recent follow-up visit had an increased body mass index (BMI) by 0.14%, and the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) increased by 5.2% compared with the data at baseline. In multivariate analysis, more frequent hot flashes, moderate/severe bothered vasomotor symptoms (VMS), mild bothered sexual functioning, and less anxiety symptoms were significantly associated with obesity. Increasing age, moderate/severe bothered VMS, and less anxiety symptoms were independently associated with abdominal obesity. Multivariable analysis also showed that less education level is independently associated with both obesity and abdominal obesity.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the proportion of obesity and abdominal obesity increased gradually during menopause. The increase of abdominal obesity is more rapidly than obesity in middle-aged women. Both obesity and abdominal obesity are related with severe or frequent VMS and anxiety symptoms in Chinese women. Although the proportion of obese women in China is lower than in western countries, the problem of abdominal obesity and related complications cannot be ignored.

Gender differences in Anxious-depressive symptomatology, Metabolic Syndrome and Colorectal Adenomas among outpatients undergoing colonoscopy: a cross-sectional study according to a PNEI perspective

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK

To explore gender differences in patients suffering from anxious-depressive symptoms, Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and Colorectal Adenomas (CRAs) in a sample of outpatients undergoing colonoscopy for screening purposes.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study. 126 consecutive outpatients of both sexes undergoing colonoscopy for non-specific abdominal symptoms between January 2015 and June 2021 at the Modena Policlinico General Hospital (Modena, Northern Italy) were enrolled. MetS was diagnosed according to ATPIII and IDF criteria. Anxiety and depression were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) was used to study personality. The SF-36 was also included as a measure of quality of life perception.

RESULTS

Among 126 outpatients (51.60% male) undergoing colonoscopy, 51 (44%) had CRAs, 54 (47%) MetS, 41 (41.40%) anxiety symptoms, 22 (22.20%) depressive symptoms and 13 (13.10%) combined anxious-depressive symptoms. HADS-Anxiety (t=2.68, p=0.01) and TCI Reward Dependence (TCI-RD) (t=3.01, p=0.00) mean scores were significantly higher in women; conversely, SF-36 Mental Component Summary scores were higher in men. CRAs were significantly prevalent in men (χ2=9.32, p=0.00) and were statistically significantly associated with male sex at the univariate logistic regression analysis (OR=3.27; p<0.01). At the multivariate logistic regression, diastolic hypertension (p<0.01) was positively associated with male sex, while TCI-RD (p=0.04) and HDL hypocholesterolemia (p=0.02) were inversely associated with male sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Several significant gender differences in anxious-depressive symptoms, MetS and CRAs were found. These preliminary data suggest the need to consider gender specificities while implementing therapeutic, diagnostic, and preventive strategies.

The Association Between Depression and Obesity Among Adults in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Background: Depression is a primary cause of disability-adjusted life years lost globally. It is a common mental disorder with roughly more than 264 million adults affected. Obesity is another major health problem affecting more than 650 million adults worldwide. The presence of depression and obesity, along with each other, is associated with more negative health outcomes.

Objectives: To explore the correlation between depression and obesity among adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and analyze this association with other variables, including patients' demographics, body mass index (BMI), and presence of chronic and psychiatric illness. 

Method: A cross-sectional study was done in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. A total number of 711 participants were enrolled. Arabic version of Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used. Body mass index (BMI) scores were used to classify participants into underweight, average weight, overweight, and obese.

Result: It was found that 41.7% of the obese participants have moderate to severe depression, and this result was statistically significant (P = 0.027, 95% CI 1.69-1.98). The prevalence was more marked among young participants (P = 0.001). Other variables such as marital status, the presence of a chronic illness, psychiatric disorders, regular intake of medications, effect of depressive symptoms on daily activity, and the number of years diagnosed with obesity and depression all showed a statistically significant association in the presence of comorbidity of obesity and depression (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The association between depression and obesity is most prominent in young adults aged between 18 to 25 years (11.2%), being single (12.8%), having a BMI of 30 or more for 10 years or more (45.4%), the presence of associated chronic illnesses (17.6%), the presence of associated psychiatric disorder (18.3%) and intake of regular medications (18.3%). Depression and obesity are major health challenges worldwide. Many studies were done to assess the relationship between obesity and depression, but only a few were conducted in Saudi Arabia. This study was done to investigate this relationship. It will help raise awareness about the comorbidity of depression and obesity to address preventative and therapeutic measures.

Waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, body fat rate, total body fat mass and risk of low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To identify the associations between waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), body fat rate (BFR), total body fat mass (BFM), and the risk of low back pain (LBP).

METHODS

We have searched PubMed through October 2020 for observational studies investigating the associations between WC, WHR, BFR, or total BFM and the risk of LBP. Random-effect models were used to calculate the summary risk estimates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

A total of fifteen studies with 92,936 participants were included, of which ten were related to WC, five were related to WHR, four were related to BFR, and four were related to total BFM. Pooled results indicated that high WC (odds ratio (OR) = 1.30, 95% CI 1.10-1.54) and WHR (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.00-1.76) were associated with an increased risk of chronic low back pain (c-LBP). High WC (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.03-1.34) was also associated with an increased risk of non-c-LBP. The risk of non-c-LBP increased by 23% (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-1.50) for every 10% increase in BFR, and for every 10 kg increase in total BFM, the risk of non-c-LBP increased by 24% (OR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.10-1.39).

CONCLUSION

Observational epidemiological evidence suggested that individuals with increased WC, WHR, BFR, or total BFM tended to have an increased risk of LBP, regardless of whether their body mass indexes were normal. Excessive fat mass was the essence of the process.

Is nutritional status associated with depression? evidence from a cross-sectional study among workers in tertiary educational institutions in Southwestern Nigeria

Introduction

different studies have shown a relationship between depression and nutrition, but there seems to be no consistent consensus on this. This study therefore investigated the relationship of nutrition status and depression among workers in tertiary educational institutions in Southwestern Nigeria.

Methods

this was a cross-sectional study conducted among 399 members of staff of three tertiary educational institutions in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), while nutritional status was assessed using the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist hip ratio (WHR). The respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling technique, and data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires. Analysis was done using IBM SPSS.

Results

the mean age of the respondents was 45.8 ± 10.4 years. The prevalence of depression was 23.8%. Concerning the nutritional status of respondents, 2.3% were underweight and 69.7% were overweight/obese. There were statistically significant associations between depression and the nutritional status of the respondents using BMI (p = 0.001), WHR (p = 0.015) and waist circumference (p = 0.036). After controlling for other factors, only the BMI was still significantly associated with depression, such that those underweight were more likely to be depressed (Odds ratio: 7.9; p-value: 0.009).

Conclusion

the prevalence of depression among the respondents was relatively high, and this was significantly associated with the BMI, even after controlling for co-founders.

Association between sleep quality and central obesity among southern Chinese reproductive-aged women

BACKGROUND

The connections between sleep quality and central obesity among reproductive-aged women are not clear. The study aimed to explore the association between sleep quality and central obesity among Chinese reproductive-aged women and identify the independent contributions of sociodemographic characteristics, health-related factors, and sleep quality to central obesity.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional survey, the minimal sample sizes were 2404 subjects; 2449 Chinese women aged 18-49 participated in this study. Sleep quality was assessed by the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Central obesity as the outcome of interest was a binary variable; women were categorized as with versus without central obesity measured by waist circumference (WC). The independent contribution of sociodemographic characteristics (Cluster 1), health-related variables (Cluster 2), and sleep quality (Cluster 3) to central obesity was derived from the corresponding R² change (individual R² change/total R² × 100%), using clustered multiple logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

The risk of central obesity increased significantly with poor sleep quality (assessed by global PSQI score) [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.20 per SD increase; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.28-3.78; P = 0.004], increased sleep disturbance score (adjusted OR = 1.11 per SD increase; 95% CI = 1.01-1.22; P = 0.042) and decreased subjective sleep quality score (adjusted OR = 0.81 per SD increase; 95% CI = 0.73-0.90; P < 0.001). The independent contribution of sleep quality was 9.9%, less than those of sociodemographic (73.3%) and health-related (16.8%) variables. Among complaints related to sleep disturbance, the inability to breathe comfortably, and having bad dreams showed significant associations with central obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

There exists some degree of correlation between sleep quality and central obesity among Chinese reproductive-aged women. These findings underscore the need for future public health guidelines to formulate some detailed strategies to improve sleep quality, such as preventing and intervening risk factors that influence sleep quality and suggesting optimal sleep duration, which might effectively reduce the incidence of central obesity in this population group.

Dietary fibre intake and its associations with depressive symptoms in a prospective adolescent cohort

Depression is a major cause of disability in adolescents. Higher dietary fibre intake has been associated with lower depressive symptoms in adults, but there is a lack of research in adolescents. We examined the association between dietary fibre intake (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) FFQ) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory for Youth) in adolescents with prospective data from the Raine Study Gen2 14- and 17-year follow-ups (n 1260 and 653). Odds of moderate/extreme (clinically relevant) depressive symptoms by quartile of fibre intake were calculated using mixed-effects logistic regression for all participants, in a paired sample without moderate/extreme depressive symptoms at 14 years and in a sub-sample of participants with available inflammatory data at the ages of 14 and 17 years (n 718 and 547). Odds of moderate/extreme depressive symptoms were lower in the fourth (highest) quartile of overall fibre intake (OR 0·273, 95 % CI 0·09, 0·81) compared with the first (lowest) quartile, adjusting for sex, age, energy intake, adiposity, and family and lifestyle factors. However, further adjustment for dietary patterns attenuated the results. Associations of depressive symptoms with cereal or fruit and vegetable fibre intake were not significant in the final model. Adjustment for inflammation had no effect on OR. The association between a higher dietary fibre intake and lower odds of clinically relevant depressive symptoms may be more reflective of a high-fibre diet with all its accompanying nutrients than of an independent effect of fibre.

The association between overweight/obesity and psychological distress: A population based cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare the association between mental well-being between obese (classes 1 and 2), over-weight and non-obese population-based individuals

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. A total of 1019 Saudi nationals aged ≥ 18 years participated in the survey. BMI scores were used to categorize participants into three groups: Obese, overweighted and non-obese/non-overweight. Mental well-being was evaluated by using the validated Arabic version of the General Health Questionnaire version 12 (GHQ-12).

Results

We used total GHQ score (Mean=12; SD=5.23) to compare mental well-being between the four BMI class categories. The overall one-way ANOVA model was statistically significant (F = 7.018, d = 6, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, diabetes and smoking statuses we found that higher psychological distress (as evident by a higher total GHQ score) was associated with higher BMI. The unstandardized Beta regression coefficient = 2.627; P = 0.034). Females were more likely to have higher psychological distress than males (unstandardized Beta = 1.466, P = 0.003). Job status whether being unemployed or ‘civilian’ (civil worker) was significantly associated with higher psychological distress (unstandardized Beta = 1.405, P = 0.041). Being diabetic has a 1.6 times higher risk of psychological distress (unstandardized Beta = 1.604, P = 0.027).

Conclusion

The study highlights the public health implications of psychological distress amongst individuals with overweight and obesity in Saudi Arabia. Future longitudinal studies should explore the temporality of this relationship.

Associations of Body Weight and Waist Circumference with Psychopathology, Substance Use, and Well-Being in an Adult Transdiagnostic Sample

BACKGROUND

Prior studies have established inconsistent associations between body weight and mental health. However, most work has relied on body mass index (BMI) and examination of a single mental health variable. The present study examined associations of BMI and waist circumference with multiple mental health variables in a transdiagnostic psychiatric sample.

METHODS

Nursing staff measured waist circumference and calculated the BMI of 742 adults (54.6% female, 45.4% male) presenting for psychiatric treatment. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale (BASIS-24), and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) as part of standard clinical monitoring. Suicide risk was assessed using the clinician-administered Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). For curve fit estimation regression models, we entered BMI and waist circumference as independent variables separately; we entered seven dependent variables separately: 1) depression, 2) anxiety, 3) substance use, 4) self-harm, 5) interpersonal functioning, 6) well-being, and 7) suicide risk.

RESULTS

Increased BMI was associated with decreased well-being and increased depression. Increased waist circumference was associated with worse interpersonal functioning. Non-linear (quadratic) associations were observed between weight and depression, substance use, self-harm, and suicide.

LIMITATIONS

Most of the sample was White and only 2.6% was in the underweight category, limiting broad applicability of findings. Cross-sectional design precludes causal attributions.

CONCLUSIONS

Given associations between well-being, depression, interpersonal functioning, substance use, self-harm, and suicide with weight, findings may be used to inform mental health treatment, particularly by tailoring interventions to high-risk weight categories (underweight, obese) in psychiatric populations.

Association of Lower Nutritional Status and Education Level with the Severity of Depression Symptoms in Older Adults-A Cross Sectional Survey

The study analyzes the relationship between nutritional status and depression symptoms severity in the older population. A total of 1975 older outpatients (1457 women and 518 men, median age 75) were included in the study. Depression symptoms severity was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Participants were divided into two subgroups according to GDS score. Group A: 0–5 points—without depression symptoms (1237, W:898, M:339), and group B: 6–15 points—with depression symptoms (738, W:559, M:179). The nutritional status of the patients was assessed with Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and basic anthropometric variables (waist, hips, calf circumferences, body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), and waist to height ratio (WHtR)). Education years and chronic diseases were also noted. Women with higher depression symptoms severity had significantly lower MNA scores [A: 26.5 (24–28) (median (25%−75% quartiles)) vs. B:23 (20.5–26)], shorter education time [A:12 (8–16) vs. B:7 (7–12)], smaller calf circumference [A:36 (33–38) vs. B: 34 (32–37)], and higher WHtR score [A:57.4 (52.3–62.9) vs. B:58.8 (52.1–65.6)]. Men with depression symptoms had lower MNA scores [A:26.5 (24.5–28) vs. B:24 (20.5–26.5)], shorter education [A:12 (9.5–16), B:10 (7–12)], and smaller calf circumference [A:37 (34–39), B:36 (33–38)]. In the model of stepwise multiple regression including age, years of education, anthropometric variables, MNA and concomitant diseases nutritional assessment, and education years were the only independent variables predicting severity of depression symptoms both in women and men. Additionally, in the female group, odds were higher with higher WHtR. Results obtained in the study indicate a strong relationship between proper nutritional status and education level with depression symptoms severity in older women and men.

Associations between social determinants of health, perceived discrimination, and body mass index on symptoms of depression among young African American mothers

PURPOSE

The association between symptoms of depression and risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains equivocal for African American (AA) mothers. We examined the association between social determinants of health (perceived discrimination), and cardiovascular risk (BMI) on symptoms of depression in a sample of young AA mothers.

METHODS

Secondary data from 219 adult AA mothers between the ages of 21 and 46 with an average BMI of 29.8 and yearly family income of $14,999 were analyzed using a latent growth model that evaluated four time points to assess changes in symptoms of depression.

RESULTS

Initial BMI was significantly associated with initial symptoms of depression (b = 0.12, p = .019). Perceived discrimination (unfair treatment) was associated with higher initial symptoms of depression (b = 1.14, p = .017).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that elevated BMI and perceived discrimination are associated with higher reported symptoms of depression among young, socioeconomically disadvantaged AA mothers. These results advance the scientific understanding of young AA mothers' risk for symptoms of depression and CVD by elucidating the impact of perceived discrimination and social experiences on mental health. Further studies of SDoH and CVD risk factors and perceived racism and depression are needed to shed light on the long-term mental health impact on AA mothers and their children.

Inconsistent social rhythms are associated with abdominal adiposity after involuntary job loss: An observational study

Objective

Unemployment is an established risk factor for obesity. However, few studies have examined obesity-related health behavior after involuntary job loss specifically. Job loss confers a disruption in daily time structure that could lead to negative metabolic and psychological outcomes through chronobiological mechanisms. This study examines whether individuals with unstable social rhythms after involuntary job loss present with higher abdominal adiposity than individuals with more consistent social rhythms and whether this relationship varies as a function of depressive symptoms.

Methods

Cross-sectional baseline data (n = 191) from the ongoing Assessing Daily Activity Patterns in occupational Transitions (ADAPT) study were analyzed using linear regression techniques. Participants completed the Social Rhythm Metric-17 (SRM) daily over 2 weeks. They also completed the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) and participated in standardized waist circumference measurements (cm).

Results

A significant interaction emerged between SRM and BDI-II demonstrating that less consistent social rhythms were associated with larger waist circumference at lower levels of depressive symptoms. Additional exploratory analyses demonstrated a positive association between the number of daily activities performed alone and waist circumference when controlling for symptoms of depression.

Conclusion

These findings are the first to demonstrate a relationship between social rhythm stability and abdominal adiposity in adults who have recently, involuntarily lost their jobs. Results highlight the moderating role of depressive symptoms on daily routine in studies of metabolic health. Future prospective analysis is necessary to examine causal pathways.

Relationship between sedentary time and central obesity in adult Korean men: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2014

Background

. We aimed to examine the association between sedentary time and central obesity in a nationally representative sample of adult Korean men.

Methods

. We included 1269 participants from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Central obesity was defined as having a waist circumference (WC) ≥90 cm. The ORs and 95% CIs for central obesity were calculated using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

. The mean values of WC tended to increase proportionally with increasing sedentary time quartiles. The prevalence of central obesity increased significantly in accordance with sedentary time quartiles. Compared to individuals in the lowest sedentary time quartile (≤4 hours for a day), the OR for central obesity for individuals in the highest quartile (≥11 hours for a day) was 1.81 after adjusting for confounding variables.

Conclusion

. We confirmed a relationship between sedentary time and the risk prevalence of central obesity in a representative sample of adult Korean men. A public health intervention to reduce sedentary time is needed to prevent central obesity.

Short-term weight trajectories and long-term weight outcomes from a lifestyle intervention in real-world clinical practice

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention aligned lifestyle change programs are effective in promoting weight loss among those with elevated cardiometabolic risk; yet, variability in weight outcomes among participants is high. Little is known about heterogeneity of short-term weight changes among participants in real-world clinical practice. We sought to identify short-term weight trajectory clusters among lifestyle change program participants in real-world clinical practice and to examine the relationship between cluster membership and long-term weight outcomes. We identified participants from the electronic health records (2010-2017) with weight measured ≤30 days prior to program initiation (baseline) and in four intervals (3-week segments) in the 12 weeks after baseline. Clustering analysis was performed to identify distinct trajectories in percent weight change over 12 weeks. Cluster-specific differences in weight change at 12 and 52 weeks were assessed. Among 1,148 participants, across 18 clinic sites, three clusters were identified: minimal-to-no weight loss (MWL), delayed-minimal weight loss (DWL), and steady-moderate weight loss (SWL), corresponding to mean weight changes of 0.4%, -2.3%, and -4.8% at 12 weeks follow-up, respectively. Mean weight changes were 0.4%, -1.8%, and -5.1% for MWL, DWL, and SWL clusters, respectively, at 52 weeks follow-up, which correlated in direction and magnitude with short-term weight changes. Clustering analysis reveals heterogeneous, short-term weight trajectories among lifestyle change program participants in real-world clinical practice. Given the relationship between the magnitudes of short- and long-term weight change, individual participant weight trajectories may be useful in identifying potential non-responders in need of adjunctive or alternative therapy.

Maternal anthropometric determinants as risk markers of suicidality and severity of illness in women with postnatal depression

Context:

Studies have shown nutrition to play a role in etiology of postnatal depression, but few risk markers have been developed for the same. Anthropometric determinants have not been sufficiently researched in relation to suicidality and severity of illness in women with postnatal depression.

Aim:

The present study assesses the efficacy of anthropometric determinants as risk markers of severity of illness and suicidal ideations in postnatal depression.

Methods and Materials:

100 women were screened at 6 weeks postnatal for the presence of postnatal depression and suicidal ideation using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Anthropometric determinants assessed were height, weight, weight gain in pregnancy, weight at first antenatal visit, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio. Univariate and multivariate analysis were done for risk estimation using Spearman's rank correlation and multiple regression analysis, respectively.

Results:

In total, 39% of the women showed the presence of postnatal depression. Out of these 39 women, 31% had suicidal ideations. The waist-to-hip ratio was the most significant factor in all the models, having a negative correlation with suicidality and severity of depression (P < 0.05). The multiple regression model using anthropometric determinants could significantly assess risk of both suicidality (P = 0.03, adjusted R² = 0.08) and postnatal depression (P = 0.04, adjusted R² = 0.07).

Conclusions:

The study concludes that anthropometric determinants can be used effectively as risk markers for suicidality and severity of illness in women with postnatal depression. The most significant risk factor was found to be waist-to-hip ratio in both the models.

Dietary fiber and its associations with depression and inflammation

Dietary fiber is a crucial component of a healthy diet, with benefits that can be attributed to processes in the gut microbiota and the resulting by-products. Observational studies support associations between dietary fiber intake and depression and inflammation, but the potential mechanisms are poorly understood. This review examines evidence of the effects of dietary fiber on depression and inflammation and considers plausible mechanisms linking dietary fiber and depression, including microbiota-driven modification of gene expression and increased production of neurotransmitters. Additionally, inflammation may mediate the relationship between dietary fiber intake and depression. A high-fiber diet potentially lowers inflammation by modifying both the pH and the permeability of the gut. The resultant reduction in inflammatory compounds may alter neurotransmitter concentrations to reduce symptoms of depression. Further research into the link between dietary fiber intake and inflammation and depression is essential, as findings could potentially provide guidance for improvement in or prevention of inflammatory and depressive disorders.

Food and Mood: the Corresponsive Effect

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The question whether food choice and eating behavior influence the mood or are influenced by the mood has been inquisitive to scientists and researchers. The purpose of this review is to support or refuse the argument that mood is affected by food or vice versa.

RECENT FINDINGS

The association between food and mood has been comprehensively elucidated in this review based on several studies that include participants from different ages, cultural backgrounds, and health status. The correlation among food, mood, and diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, and depression was thoroughly investigated. The effect of different foods and nutrients on the mood was further explained. It is concluded that the mood significantly affects food intake and food choices. On the other hand, food also influences the mood, which affects the diseases either positively or negatively. Appropriate food choices play a significant role in mood enhancement. Advertisement is another crucial factor that negatively affects food choices and mood and contributes to many diseases. Understanding the interaction between food and mood can help to prevent or alleviate undesired health issues.

Comorbid Depression and Obesity: Correlates and Synergistic Association With Noncommunicable Diseases Among Australian Men

Introduction

Obesity and depression are among the leading causes of disease worldwide. Their bidirectional relationship often results in comorbid depression and obesity, which further increases the risk of adverse health outcomes. Further evidence is needed on the correlates and synergistic association with other noncommunicable diseases. The objective of our study was to examine the correlates and synergistic association of comorbid depression and obesity with other noncommunicable diseases in a large sample of Australian men.

Methods

Our cross-sectional study used data on 13,763 men aged 18 to 55 from the first wave (2013–2014) of the Australian Ten to Men study. Body mass index was calculated from self-reported weight and height. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess depression. We calculated the weighted prevalence of depression, obesity, and comorbid depression and obesity and examined correlates of comorbid depression and obesity by using logistic regression. We used the synergy index to measure the synergistic association of depression and obesity with other noncommunicable diseases.

Results

The weighted prevalence of depression, obesity, and comorbid depression and obesity among Australian men were 12.5%, 22.2%, and 3.7%, respectively. Age, marital status, area-level socioeconomic index, educational attainment, household income, employment status, and physical activity were significantly associated with comorbid depression and obesity. Men with comorbid depression and obesity, compared with men without comorbid depression and obesity, had 7.6 times the risk of diabetes and 6.7 times the risk of hypertension.

Conclusion

Co-occurrence of depression and obesity among Australian men is associated with a set of individual- and area-level correlates and a higher risk of noncommunicable diseases. The correlates identified in our study are useful in planning interventions and screening in primary care settings.

Adverse birth outcomes and the risk of dental caries at age 3 years

BACKGROUND

Since birth outcome is associated with maternal and newborn health, it can be a predictor of the future health of the child.

AIM

To investigate the association between adverse birth outcomes and dental caries.

DESIGN

The present registry-based cohort study included all children born in 2000-2003, residing in Stockholm County, Sweden and who received a dental examination at the age of 3 years (n = 74 748). National registries supplied data on socioeconomic conditions, maternal health, maternal health behavior, and birth outcomes. Forward stepwise binary logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of caries experience in the 3-year-olds.

RESULTS

Of the subjects, 6.0% had caries experience (decayed, extracted, and filled teeth [deft] ≥ 1), 5.6% were born preterm (<37 weeks); 2.2% were born small (SGA) and 3.7% large (LGA) for gestational age. Of the studied adverse birth outcomes, only SGA was significantly associated with caries experience at 3 years of age, and only for mothers who had refrained from smoking during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

SGA is associated with caries experience in 3-year-old children; however, this relationship occurs only in mothers who did not smoke during pregnancy.

Food addiction in young adult residents of Russia: Associations with emotional and anthropometric characteristics

The incidence of food addiction (FA) and associations between FA and anthropometric and psycho-emotional characteristics of young Russian adults were studied. In this study, 1,237 students (age, M = 20.6, SD = 4.6 years; 79% females) of universities located in four cities of Russia were attended. They provided demographics and filled in the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Data were analysed via Chi-squared tests, logistic regression analysis, and an analysis of covariance. 13.2% of participants met diagnostic criteria for FA based on the YFAS. On average, the participants reported 2.6 FA symptoms (SD = 1.5). FA was more commonly detected in females (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.10, 3.15, p = .021). No relationship was found between age and the incidence of FA. Significant positive associations between FA, the severity of depression (OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.91, 2.80, p = .000), and an emotional eating behaviour (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.20, 1.76, p = .000) were found. The waist-to-height ratio was found to be the anthropometric indicator most closely associated with FA (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.27, 1.76, p = .000). HIGHLIGHTS: The prevalence of food addiction in the current sample was 13.2%. In young Russian adults, emotional eating behaviour and depression are associated with food addiction. In young Russian adults, the waist-to-height ratio is the anthropometric indicator most closely associated with food addiction.

Abdominal volume index: a predictive measure in relationship between depression/anxiety and obesity

Background

Obesity is a risk factor for mood disorder (such as depression and anxiety). We aimed to assess application of A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and abdominal volume index (AVI), as new indices of obesity to evaluate the relationship between obesity and depression/anxiety.

Methods

This cross sectional study was conducted on 307 overweight and obese women (249 females, 58 males) 20–60 years in Iran in 2017–2018. The anthropometric measures including weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat and derived values of body mass index, waist-hip ratio, AVI and ABSI were evaluated. HADS questionnaire for depression and anxiety completed.

Results

Prevalence of depression was 36.1% in women; men 24.1%; overweight 28.1%; obese 36.5 % and central obesity 33.7%. Anxiety was apparent in 27.1% of overweight 30.3 % obese and 29.6% central obesity. People with depression and anxiety had higher WC, BF and AVI. ABSI had no significant correlation with depression/anxiety. The odds of depression (1.06; 95% CI, 1.02–1.12) and anxiety (1.06; 95% CI, 1.01–1.11) were elevated with increase AVI.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that AVI as an indirect measure of abdominal obesity along with WC and BF could be useful in predicting the relationship between obesity and depression/anxiety.

Depression subtypes and obesity in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Examining clinical features of depressive episodes may help elucidating the nature of association between depression and obesity, related to specific symptoms such as appetite and weight changes. This meta-analysis of observational studies evaluated whether subtypes of depression are associated with specific anthropometric profiles in adults. We searched MEDLINE, LILACS, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science databases, and Grey Literature for articles published up to October 2016 that examined depressive subtypes and adiposity measures among adults. The pooled effect size was estimated with random effects models. The PRISMA guidelines were adopted to reporting results, and this review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42016035685). A total of 22 articles were included in this systematic review, of which eight had data included in the meta-analysis, assessing 14 757 individuals with depression. Patients with atypical depression presented a 2.55 higher BMI score compared with those with melancholic depression. Subgroup analysis identified a differential distribution of anthropometric measures in studies conducted with Chinese populations. Among the remainder studies, only one reported discrepant results, possibly due to the exclusion of "weight change" in defining subtypes of depression. Atypical depression was significantly associated with elevated BMI compared with melancholic depression, deserving particular attention due to its clinical importance.

Comparison of Anthropometric Measures in US Military Personnel in the Classification of Overweight and Obesity

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine (1) the level of agreement between BMI, circumference-based equation (CBE) measures, waist circumference (WC), and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measures and (2) whether BMI, CBE measures, or WC alone or in combination adequately reflects adiposity in military personnel compared with BIA.

METHODS

BMI from measured height and weight (using military overweight cutoffs in men [BMI ≥ 27.5 kg/m² ] and World Health Organization overweight cutoffs [BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m² ]), BMI body fat percentage (BF%), WC, CBE BF%, and BIA BF% were collected. Respondents (N = 389, 78% men) were categorized with normal fat versus overweight, obesity, or overfat. Levels of agreement and standard screening performance measures were compared between anthropometric measures and BIA.

RESULTS

World Health Organization BMI and BIA BF% classified the most men and women with overweight/obesity; WC with BMI (BMI + WC) and WC alone classified the fewest men and women with overweight/obesity. Levels of agreement were all statistically significant and highest for BMI (men: Cohen's κ = 0.711; women: Cohen's κ = 0.814) and lowest for WC and BMI + WC (all Cohen's κ ≤ 0.270). BMI + CBE performed best overall (sensitivity = 50.9%, false discovery rate = 5.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support BMI + CBE as an easy-to-implement combination to assess adiposity in the military.

Gynecological cancer and metabolic screening of 1001 elderly Brazilian women

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate gynecological cancer and metabolic screening of Brazilian women aged 65 years or older.

METHODS

This retrospective descriptive study was conducted by including 1,001 Brazilian patients of the gynecological geriatric outpatient office of our institution to evaluate the influence of age on gynecological cancer and metabolic screening parameters at the first clinical visit. All patients were divided into three groups: a) 65 to 69 years; b) 70 to 74 years; c) ≥ 75 years. We considered clinical, laboratorial, and image data as variables of this study. The Chi-square test was used to assess the proportion of differences among the age groups, and Kruskal-Wallis was used for quantitative variables.

RESULTS

The values of BMI and height in the group over 75 years was lower than that of the 65 to 69 years (p = 0.001). Regardless of the age group, high arterial blood pressure levels were found in 85.45% of participants. Also, many patients had glucose intolerance in the blood. The pelvic ultrasonography showed abnormal endometrial echo thickness (> 5 mm) in 6.14% of patients, but with no significant statistical difference between the age groups. A total of 4.04% of patients had ovaries with high volume values ( > 6.1 mL). Abnormal mammography (BI-RADS 3 or 4) was observed in 12.21%.

CONCLUSIONS

our data suggest that a great reduction in BMI and stature is more frequent in the group over 75 years. Also, systemic arterial hypertension and carbohydrate disturbance are frequent morbidities in women over 65 years.