New research reaffirms: Obesity causes depression

According to new research by scientists from the University of South Australia and the University of Exeter in the UK, the negative psychological effects of obesity can cause depression, even without the associated health problems. to other weight.

A long-standing relationship between obesity and depression has long been known, but as noted by the authors, "the causal relationship between obesity and depression is complex and uncertain". Now, with the new work published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, the team has found evidence that a higher body mass index (BMI) can cause a lot of symptoms. depression.

Using genetic therapy to examine the link between obesity and depression, the researchers took data from the United Kingdom's biological bank, a database of a total of 500,000 people, for more than 48,000 people who met the criteria for depression described by hospital records or self-reported. They then looked at 73 genetic variants associated with high BMI but also related to other diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. For these genetic traits, the risk of depression increases and can be explained by either biological or psychological mechanisms.

 
In addition, the team looked at 14 other genetic variants that are associated with a high percentage of body fat but are not related to other health problems. They found that these variants are also related to depression, and that depression can only be explained by psychological mechanisms.

Study author Elina Hypponen said: “We separate the psychological obesity component from the effects of obesity-related health problems by using genes associated with a higher body mass index. (BMI), but have a lower risk of diseases like diabetes. ”

Basically, researchers were able to "separate" the psychological aspects of BMI-depression relationships from the physiological aspects.

Hypponen explained: "These genetic genes are as closely related to depression as those associated with higher BMI and diabetes," in addition to being overweight that causes depression both with and without depression. There are related health problems, especially in women. Slim men are also more prone to depression than normal weight men or slender women.

But it is not so simple. The data was taken from people born in England between 1938 and 1971 and it is not known whether the same results are suitable for young people or those born elsewhere. Moreover, the authors note that the definition of depression is not a "gold standard" because some cases are self-reported. However, the work adds to our understanding of whether obesity causes depression, so that we can have appropriate public health and public health intervention plans.

 
"The global obesity epidemic is now very concerned," Hypponen said. "Along with depression, both are estimated to spend billions of dollars globally each year."

Therefore, ensuring a healthy diet, not too much protein and fat, and the habit of sitting less and exercising more and more has become increasingly urgent in society. modern.

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