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. 2008 Jun;18(6):458-66.
doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2007.12.009. Epub 2008 Mar 10.

Gender differences in associations between body mass index and DSM-IV mood and anxiety disorders: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

Danielle Barry  1 , Robert H Pietrzak, Nancy M Petry
Affiliations

Gender differences in associations between body mass index and DSM-IV mood and anxiety disorders: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

Danielle Barry et al. Ann Epidemiol. 2008 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine gender differences in associations between body mass index (BMI) and affective disorders.

Methods: We used logistic regression to examine the effects of BMI and gender on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) mood and anxiety disorders in a sample of 40,790 adults.

Results: Obesity (BMI >30.0) was associated with increased risk for any mood disorder, major depressive disorder, and dysthymic disorder, in both men and women (odds ratios [ORs], 1.35-1.88). Risk of bipolar I and II disorders was elevated in obese women (ORs, 1.70-2.41) but not men. Overweight (BMI = 25.0-29.9) predicted increased risk for any mood disorder and bipolar I disorder in women but not in men (ORs, 1.16-1.44). Obesity was associated with increased odds of any anxiety disorder and specific phobia in men and women (ORs, 1.35-1.79). Obese women were additionally at increased risk for social phobia. Overweight predicted increased risk of social phobia and specific phobia for women but not for men (ORs, 1.27-1.37).

Conclusions: Obese individuals of both genders are at increased risk for a range of mood and anxiety disorders, but women who are even moderately overweight experience increased risks for some disorders as well.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Prevalence of lifetime and past-year mood disorders by BMI and gender
*Indicates a significant effect of the interaction between gender and BMI.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Prevalence of lifetime and past-year anxiety disorders by BMI and gender.
*Indicates a significant effect of the interaction between gender and BMI.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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