Having one of these conditions increases risk for the other

Mar 24, 2014 10:34 GMT  ·  By
Teen girls suffering from obesity are more likely to become depressed and vice-versa, a new study reveals
   Teen girls suffering from obesity are more likely to become depressed and vice-versa, a new study reveals

A group of investigators from the Rutgers-Camden University determined in a new study that teenage girls who suffer from depression have a higher risk of becoming obese. The reverse is also valid, with new cases of depression running rampant among heavier girls. These conclusions are based on a study of 1,500 test subjects aged between 11 and 24. 

The participants, who were all from Minnesota, were followed for a period of 10 years. Researchers determined that girls who suffered from symptoms associated with depression in early adolescence were far more likely than their peers to become obese by the time they reached late adolescence.

The team also found that girls who were obese in late adolescence were more likely than their peers to become depressed by early adulthood. The research revealed no similar connection between the two diseases in boys and men. Details of the research appear in the latest issue of the esteemed International Journal of Obesity, PsychCentral reports.

The leader of the investigation was Rutgers-Camden associate professor of psychology Dr. Naomi Marmorstein. Co-authors included University of Minnesota psychology professor Dr. William Iacono and Rutgers-Camden research associate Lisa Legrand, PhD.

This is one of just a handful of scientific studies focusing on the onset of depression and obesity. Previous investigations tended to focus on their recurrence and persistence, as related to age. The team explains that each test subject was surveyed at ages 11, 14, 17, 20, and 24. The reasons why these connections occur were not a part of the new study.

“When researchers looked at this connection over time, data had been mixed. Some found that depression and obesity go hand-in-hand, while others did not see that connection. We tried to take the next step in clarifying this link by looking at a sample of youth that we followed from ages 11 to 24,” Marmorstein explains.

Some of the factors the team checked for included weight measurements, height measurements, as well as interviews meant to assess the incidence of major depressive disorder in the test population. Some of the mechanisms through which depression may lead to obesity include poor sleep, lethargy, and increased appetite. The reverse can be caused by reduced mobility, poor self-esteem, and weight stigma.

“When a person is young, she is still developing eating and activity patterns, as well as coping mechanisms. So if she experiences a depressive episode at age 14, she may be more at risk for having an onset of unhealthy patterns that persist,” Marmorstein argues.

“At this age, adolescents are starting to establish relationships becoming self-conscious, so teasing can be particularly painful. Prevention efforts aimed at both of these disorders at the same time when just one is diagnosed might help in decreasing their prevalence and comorbidity,” the expert adds, saying that bullying and social stigma are equally detrimental to girls at such a tender age.