Abstract
Purpose: The association between obesity and depression remains equivocal. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and association of obesity and depressive symptoms among military personnel. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data (N=10,040) from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Survey of Health-Related Behaviors. Prevalence odds ratios were calculated to describe the association between obesity and depressive symptoms. Results: Approximately 10% of active duty men and 4% of active duty women were obese. The prevalence of depressive symptoms ranged from approximately 16% of overweight men to 49% of obese women. Obese men and women and underweight men had increased odds of depressive symptoms as compared with normal-weight individuals. Conclusions: The DoD should emphasize prevention and regular screening for obesity and depressive symptoms to improve readiness and reduce health care costs and disease burden in this cohort.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 263-271 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Psychosomatic Research |
Volume | 60 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Burnam Screen
- Depression
- Obesity
- Survey of Health-Related Behaviors
- U.S. Military active duty
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health