The assessment of selected factors associated with the co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and symptoms of depression in a group of young women

Introduction:
Results of previous studies indicate that the relationship between depression and obesity is bidirectional. It is believed that to stop the obesity epidemic, it is necessary to focus on the population of young adults. The aim of the study is to analyze emotional eating and the inflammatory process as possible mechanisms of the co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and symptoms of depression in the population of young women.

Material and methods:
In a group of 137 female students a questionnaire study (Beck Depression Inventory, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-18, sociodemographic questionnaire) and laboratory tests (concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor a, C-reactive protein in blood serum) were performed. Additionally, the body composition analysis was carried out in 66 subjects.

Results:
The majority of the subjects had body weight in normal range, the average body mass index (BMI) was 22.1 ±3.9. More than half of the respondents (52.9%) showed symptoms of depression. BMI was significantly associated with the severity of depressive symptoms. BMI was also significantly associated with emotional eating, CRP, leptin and interleukin 6 levels. The severity of depressive symptoms was significantly associated with emotional eating.

Conclusions:
The results of our study indicate an important role of emotional eating in the co-occurrence of overweight/obesity and symptoms of depression in a group of young women. Emotional eating may therefore be a target for weight loss and maintenance interventions in this group. Longitudinal research is necessary to identify further mechanisms of the co-occu­rrence of obesity and depression in the group of young adults.