EPV525 - Obesity and Depression in Adults: What’s Behind These Growing Epidemics?

EPV525

Obesity and Depression in Adults: What’s Behind These Growing Epidemics?

S. Bradai ^1,*, N. Ketata ¹, N. kallel ¹, R. Khmakhem ¹, R. gargouri ¹, S. msaed ¹, H. Ben ayed ¹, N. moussa ¹, N. kallel ¹, J. Jedidi ¹

¹Hedi Chaker hospital, sfax, Tunisia

 

Introduction: 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/m² 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