AbstractBackground: The complex relationship between depression and obesity is well-documented, but the nuances across different weight categories remain unclear. This study investigates the prevalence and severity of depression across Body Mass Index (BMI) categories in a sample of patients attending a nutritional outpatient clinic in Baghdad, Iraq.
Methods: A cross-sectional design recruited 265 patients through convenience sampling. Socio-demographic and health characteristics data were collected through questionnaires. BMI was calculated from height and weight measurements. Depression severity was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations between BMI, depression severity, and other potential risk factors.
Results: The sample exhibited a high prevalence of obesity (70.7%) and concerning levels of depression, with nearly half (49.6%) experiencing mild depression and a significant proportion (28.9%) with moderate depression. A positive correlation between increasing BMI and depression severity was observed. Individuals with normal BMI had the lowest prevalence of depression, while those with severe obesity (class II & III) had the highest. Logistic regression revealed that higher socioeconomic status, higher education level, and the presence of comorbidities were associated with a higher BMI. Interestingly, depression severity was also a significant predictor of high BMI, highlighting the potential bidirectional link.
Conclusion: This study underscores the significant burden of obesity and depression in this patient population. The findings suggest a link between increasing BMI and depression severity. Further research is needed to explore the direction of causality and develop targeted interventions for weight management and mental health in this context.
