Obesity and Depression in Adults: What’s Behind These Growing Epidemics?
S. Bradai, N. Ketata, N. kallel, R. Khmakhem, R. gargouri, S. msaed, H. Ben ayed, N. moussa, N. kallel, J. JedidiIntroduction
Obesity and depression are major public health concerns due to their high prevalence and related morbidity and mortality.
Objectives
This study aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity, identify associated risk factors, and explore its association with depression among Tunisian adults
Methods
A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among Tunisian-adults aged ≥18 years. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 and classified into class I (30.0–34.9), class II (35.0–39.9), and class III (≥40.0). Depression was assessed using the the validated Patient-Health-Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9), with scores ≥20 indicating severe depression.
Results
The total of 3,074 participants included 1,941 females (63.1%), 1,504 married individuals (48.9%), 2,716 urban residents (88.4%), and 2,357 with university-level education (76.7%). Chronic diseases were reported in 797 participants (25.9%). The mean age was 36.3 ± 13.6 years. Lifestyle behaviors included energy drink consumption (n=1,554; 50.6%), frequent copious dinners (n=1,335; 43.4%), chronic alcohol use (n=317; 10.3%), active smoking (n=439; 14.3%), and regular physical activity (n=735; 23.9%).
Obesity was found in 378 individuals (12.3%), with 318 in class I (84.1%) and 16 in class III (4.2%). Depression affected 173 participants (5.6%). Obesity was significantly associated with being married (OR=2.4; p<0.001), energy drink consumption (OR=1.3; p=0.02), chronic disease (OR=2.2; p<0.001), copious dinners (OR=1.6; p=0.001), and depression (OR=1.7; p=0.005). University education (OR=0.6; p<0.001) and regular physical activity (OR=0.3; p<0.001) were identified as protective factors against obesity
Conclusions
Obesity was significantly associated to depression as well as unhealthy lifestyle habits. Targeted health interventions are needed to promote healthier lifestyles.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared