Researchers from the University College Cork School of Public Health in Ireland report that obesity in middle-aged and older adults is linked with a higher risk of developing depression, with women showing a greater vulnerability to this mental health challenge. The findings appeared in the journal PLOS One.
In the study, investigators examined data from more than 1,800 adults to understand how body mass index relates to mental health indicators. Each participant allowed access to their medical records and underwent blood testing to assess glycated hemoglobin and glucose levels. Researchers also recorded height, weight, and waist circumference to accurately categorize obesity and related obesity levels.
Results indicated that a higher BMI, reflecting obesity, correlated with poorer mental health outcomes. Middle-aged and older adults with obesity were more likely to report depressive symptoms, with the association especially pronounced among women who had higher BMI readings.
The researchers suggest that social factors, including stigma attached to excess weight, may contribute to the observed decline in mental well-being among those who are overweight.
The study adds context to ongoing discussions about how physical health and body weight interact with mental health across adulthood, and it aligns with broader evidence that obesity can influence mood and emotional well-being in diverse populations.