Cambridge University study explores obesity and depression link

Overweight or obese people are more likely to gain weight when feeling depressed compared to slimmer individuals, a study suggested.

University of Cambridge academics examined data from 2,133 adults enrolled in the Fenland Covid-19 study.

Patients scored symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress on a mobile app, as well as logging their weight.

Each time the score for depressive symptoms increased, the person's weight one month later was up, academics said.

The participants logged their personal data over a period of six to nine months between August 2020 and April 2021.

Those defined as overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) of between 25 and 29.9, recorded an average increase of 52g for every point increase.

Patients classed as obese, with a BMI of more than 30, recorded weight gain of 71g.

Researchers found no evidence of the effect among people with a healthy BMI below 25.

First author Dr Julia Mueller said the findings suggested overweight or obese people were more vulnerable to gaining weight when depressed and should be monitored to avoid this.

"Although the weight gain was relatively small, even small weight changes occurring over short periods of time can lead to larger weight changes in the long term, particularly among those with overweight and obesity," Dr Mueller added.

"People with a high BMI are already at greater risk from other health conditions, so this could potentially lead to a further deterioration in their health."

The study found no evidence of changes in stress or anxiety leading to weight gain.

Dr Mueller said the team "can't draw any firm conclusions about what caused" the findings, given it was an observational study.

She added: "Our findings suggest that people may react to negative emotions in different ways."

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