Obese people at increased risk of depression, research finds

A new connection between obesity and depression and vice versa has been uncovered by new research.

The Archives of General Psychiatry-published report analysed the results of 15 previously published studies involving 58,745 participants that examined the relationship between depression and being overweight or obese over time.

It was found that obese people have a 55 per cent increased risk of developing depression over time, whereas depressed people had a 58 per cent increased risk of becoming obese.

A biological link between being obese and suffering from depression was ruled out, with scientists instead suggesting that the connection is caused by low self-esteem and weight gain problems associated with antidepressant medication.

The authors added that understanding the relationship between the two conditions over time could help improve prevention and intervention strategies.

They concluded: “This awareness could lead to prevention, early detection and co-treatment for the ones at risk, which could ultimately reduce the burden of both conditions.”