Anitha A¹,
Celine D²,
Meenakshi BS³,

¹Professor,
²Head of the Department,
³Post Graduate,
Department of Physiology,
Chengalpattu Medical College,
Chengalpattu – 603001.
TamilNadu, India

Abstract

• Background: Obesity and depression are two major public health problems among adults, which is on the rise globally. Obesity causes poor self-image, low self-esteem and social isolation, all known contributor to depression. Obese individuals find themselves ostracized, stereotyped and discriminated. Both are associated with numerous health problems like hypertension, coronary artery disease and increase mortality. Hence, this study was done to assess depression as both share a common risk factor.
• Aim & Objective: To study the incidence of depression in obese and non-obese individuals and compare it between male and female.
• Materials and Methods: : A cross sectional study were done after IEC approval, with written informed consent. Study included 60 individuals in the age group of 18-24 years. Among the study group, cases included 30 obese and controls included 30 age and sex matched normal healthy individuals. Hamilton depression scoring system questionnaire was used to assess the level of depression in both groups. Parameters were statistically analyzed using SPSS 21.0 version.
• Results: Significant association between depression and obesity in adolescent was noted. A positive correlation was observed between obesity and depression.
• Conclusion: There is significant association between obesity and depression in both male and female.

Keywords: body Mass Index (BMI), depression, obesity