The relationship between obesity and depressive states

Results from epidemiological studies, clinical trials and meta-analyses support the association between depressive states and obesity, since both occur together in all races of populations evaluated.

The impact of MDD ( major depressive disorder) on obesity status

One of the symptoms of MDD is a change in appetite (increase or decrease), so it can be expected that MDD can affect body weight. A recent meta-analysis reported that MDD may be associated with an increased risk of obesity 16 . A cohort study found that only MDD with atypical features is significantly associated with obesity 32 . Furthermore, the impact of atypical MDD on obesity persists even after remission of the depressive episode, suggesting a more complex relationship not explained solely by increased appetite. No cohort study has been developed that specifically investigates the impact of MDD in patients with obesity prior to the onset of MDD. It is only known that having atypical MDD is associated with a higher incidence of obesity, greater adiposity, and greater waist circumference 32 .

Obesity and MDD are highly prevalent diseases and have a discrete common pathophysiology, which could correspond to a direct effect at the level of brain toxicity generated by obesity. The concurrence of both is highly associated with adverse health outcomes. The results in obesity and depressive disorders can be improved if a more comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach is achieved, which takes these two pathologies and their co-existence into consideration.

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