Cases of depression in obese adults increase: Study

A significant increase has been observed in the cases of depression among obese adults, suggests UK based study. According to the study, the risk of developing depression also rose with the highest body weight. According to the study published in the journal -- Obesity -- based on the primary care records, 519,513 UK adults, who were overweight or obese between 2000-2016 and followed up until 2019, the incidence of new cases of depression was 92 per 10,000 people per year.

The study also found that antidepressants were prescribed in approximately two-thirds of adults who were overweight or obese. Prescriptions for fluoxetine dropped over time (from 20.4 per cent in 2000 to 8.8 per cent in 2018) and prescriptions for sertraline increased (from 4.3 per cent in 2000 to 38.9 per cent in 2018).

"Our findings highlight the complex relationship between depression and obesity," said lead author Freya Tyrer, of the University of Leicester, in the UK. "We would like to see tailored guidance on antidepressant prescribing and services that focus on both mood and behaviours to improve outcomes for these individuals."

( With inputs from ANI )