Correlation Between Body Mass Index and Depression/Depression-Like Symptoms Among Different Genders and Races

Background While being overweight is a risk factor for hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, it can also be a risk factor for depression and vice versa. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of depression symptoms between genders and races. Methodology A nationally representative sample was utilized to explore the relationship between depression-related symptoms and BMI status by comparing different genders and racial identities. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was used in this study. Data from 2013 to 2016 were included in the analysis. The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to collect information regarding responses to eight primary questions based on gender, race, and BMI status. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis and the chi-square test. Results Data were presented as percentages. A majority of both men and women who admitted to having depression or depression-like symptoms more than half the days or nearly every day were overweight or obese. However, men had a higher prevalence compared to women for most questions. Statistical analysis showed that among men and women who felt down, depressed, or hopeless nearly every day, 61.5% (χ(2) = 5.045, p = 0.992) and 50.9% (χ(2) = 17.186, p = 0.308) were overweight, respectively. Among the races, those who felt down, depressed, or hopeless nearly every day, non-Hispanic Asian individuals had the lowest percentage of being overweight at 47.7% (χ(2) = 7.099, p = 0.955), while Hispanic individuals other than Mexican Americans had the highest percentage of being overweight at 67.4% (χ(2) = 8.792, p = 0.721). Conclusions Being overweight or obese appears to have a positive relationship with depression and depression-like symptoms for each gender and race. Similarly, individuals who report having depression-like symptoms are likely to be overweight or obese. Further research is needed to determine other differences in etiologies between genders and races, along with determining whether more individuals become depressed due to being overweight or obese or whether more individuals become overweight or obese due to being depressed. The results of this study are limited to the data obtained through NHANES.