Are Antidepressants Associated with Energy Intake and Obesity Among U.S. Adolescents and Young Adults

Abstract

Objectives Depression and use of antidepressants in U.S. adolescents and young adults are becoming more prevalent. Antidepressant use may lead to higher energy intake and obesity; however, the evidence is not clear. Our objective was to assess whether energy intake and obesity differ between U.S. adolescents and young adults on antidepressants and those who are not. Methods Data from the NHANES 2015–2016 on prescription medication use, energy intake and weight status were obtained for participants 10–34 years. Inclusion criteria were completion of two dietary recalls, not underweight and non-pregnant women. Energy intake between users and non-users of antidepressants was compared using ANCOVA, adjusting for age, gender, BMI, and use of weight loss or weight gain diets and for obesity prevalence, we used Chi-square. Results The sample consisted of 802 adolescents (10–17 years) and 1126 young adults (18–34 years), with 50.7% female and 32.4% Hispanic, 27.9% White, 22.6% Black, 22.4% Multi-racial/other and 11.7% Asian. Obesity was 15.7% in adolescents and 35.1% in young adults and use of antidepressants was 2.4% in adolescents and 4.3% in young adults. Energy intake was higher among antidepressants’ users (2208 ± 780 kcals) compared to non-users (1982 ± 718 kcals; P < 0.001) after adjusting for age, gender, BMI, and weight loss/gain diet. In adolescents, energy intake was higher among antidepressants’ users (2145 ± 951 kcals) compared to non-users (1898 ± 676 kcals; P < 0.001). In young adults, energy intake was higher among users of antidepressants (2233 ± 712 kcals vs. non-users 2044 ± 742 kcals; P < 0.001). Obesity prevalence was higher among users (40.3% vs. non-users 26.5%, P = 0.038). When the two age groups were independently analyzed, obesity in young adults was significantly higher among users (47.9% vs. non-users 34.5%, P = 0.016), however, obesity in adolescents was not significantly different between groups (21.1% users vs.15.6% non-users, P = 0.682). Conclusions In this study, the use of antidepressants was associated with higher energy intake and higher prevalence of obesity, mainly in young adults. These results could be relevant when providing nutrition counseling to adolescents and young adults receiving pharmaceutical treatment for depression to help prevent excess energy intake and weight gain. Funding Sources FIU internal funds.