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A review of the association between obesity and depression

Authors:Anantha Krishna Chentha ,Thangada Monika Sreeja , Ram Hanno , Shyamala Madhavi Arani Purushotham , Bindu B N S S Gandrapu
Int J Biol Med Res. 2013; 4(3): 3520-3522  |  PDF File

Abstract

Depression and obesity are growing, and major health concerns in the United States of America, and all other countries. These diseases account for significant morbidity and mortality and loss of vocational productivity as well as healthcare spending. A clear, bidirectional relationship exists between depression and obesity, and obesity and depression. Particular demographics are more affected than others, young females being more affected than males. The association between depression and obesity is most more pronounced in extreme obesity when compared to overweight or mild obesity, indicating a dose response type of relationship. Social victimization and abuse from peers in the childhood age group is strongly associated with overweight and obese body types and has been shown to be more statistically common than teasing based on gender, race, ethnicity or other divisional category. Such abuse early on is also understood to be a risk factor for both depression and obesity, again indicating the multifactorial, complex and self-reinforcing nature of the relationship between depression and obesity. Multiple mechanisms are known and considered. Systemic inflammation and associated physiological and pathological changes accompanying elevation of inflammatory cells, Interleukins (predominantly IL-6, and IL-1), CRP and others has been linked with development of depression, atherosclerosis, diabetes, insulin resistance and other conditions. Dysregulation of the HPA Axis (overactivity) and hypersecretion of cortisol both centrally and peripherally, and cortisol receptor dysfunction are also linked to depression, and stimulated or enhanced by high body visceral fat concentration. Psychological trauma, stress, poor self-esteem and other psychological pathologies are also clearly linked to depression, and obesity.