Association of depression and obesity is mediated by weight perception. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paulitsch, Renata G; Demenech, Lauro M; Dumith, Samuel C
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 26:Number 11(2021)
• Page Start: 2020
• Page End: 2030
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Brazil -- depression -- epidemiology -- obesity -- weight perception; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105319897778
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

This study investigates whether the association between obesity and depression is mediated by the perception of body weight and verifies the combined effect of being obese and having a self-perception of being fat on depression in a population-based sample of 1238 individuals. Weight perception mediated the association between depression and obesity in 39.3 percent of participants. In stratified analysis, mediation occurred in the following groups: non-single, those with more schooling, non-alcohol abusers, non-smokers, and those who did not engage in physical activity. Being obese and having a self-perception of being fat produced a potentiating effect, significantly increasing the likelihood of depression.