High BMIs might mean a high chance of depression

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-03-07 06:00

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Irish researchers have suggested that having a higher BMI and waist-height ratio has a significant association with having depression. The researchers took a random selection of close to 2000 people aged 46-73 years, and measured their BMI, how their waist and height relate, and worked out their mental health status using internationally recognised measurements. In the end, the scientists found that increased levels of fat was significantly associated with poorer mental health, and while they couldn't prove that weight directly caused depression, they suggest that interventions for improving people's mental health should come with population-level weight management measures.