Relationships among Body Mass Index, Body Image, and Depression in Korean Adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014 and 2016

Abstract

Background This study extends the findings of our previous examination of the relationship between obesity and depression in Korean adults. Here, we further investigate the relationships among body image perception, weight control method, and depression based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2014 and 2016. Methods In total, we analyzed 11,782 participants. We classified them into four groups according to body mass index (BMI): underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m 2 ), normal-to-overweight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m 2 ), obesity stage I (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m 2 ), and obesity stage II (BMI >30.0 kg/m 2 ). Current depression was defined as a score of at least 10 on the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. We performed chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses to examine the relationships among BMI, body image perception, method of weight control, and depression. Results Depression was diagnosed in 6.5% of the study participants. The underweight group had the highest odds ratio (OR) for depression (OR, 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42–2.65). Further, participants in the extremely lean subgroup within the underweight group had an even higher OR for depression (OR, 3.06; 95% CI, 2.28–4.10). Regarding weight management methods, the rate of depression was higher for fasting and for skipping or reducing a meal than for exercise. Conclusion Biased BMI and body image perception are associated with increased incidence of depression. In addition, specific weight control methods, such as fasting, skipping a meal, and reducing food consumption, are also associated with increased incidence of depression.

Age and gender specific association between obesity and depressive symptoms: a large-scale cross-sectional study

“…Our finding of the inverse association between obesity and depression among Chinese rural population was consistent with those reported in Korea, Taiwan and Japan [ 19 , 29 – 31 ]. In addition, some previous studies in China have also observed an inverse association between obesity and depression [ 15 , 16 ].…”

Examination of Patients’ Regular Participation at an Obesity Center to Evaluate the Effects on Mental Status and Blood Parameters

“…In recent years, increasing evidence has been presented showing that these diseases are interrelated. [8][9][10][11] In order to prevent obesity in Turkey, 81 obesity centers have been opened in 34 provinces. The aim of these centers is to help patients reach their ideal weight, prevent patients from being di-…”

Letter: Relationships among Body Mass Index, Body Image, and Depression in Korean Adults: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014 and 2016 (J Obes Metab Syndr 2019;28:61-8)

“…The underweight group was found to have a low alcohol consumption rate, which might be due to stop drinking with the consequences of harmful health problems, and also had the highest level of stress awareness. The authors2 noticed that these results appear to reflect the fact that younger participants, especially women, are more easily affected by the social ideology preference for a thin, slim figure.…”

“…Studies of depressive outcomes account for much of the growing literature on the relation between obesity and psychological morbidity 1. Hong and Hong2 investigated the association between body mass index (BMI) and depression, in addition to the relationships between body image perception, weight control behaviors and depression. They found that the risk of depression was higher in the underweight group than in the obese group.…”

“…As a result, the thin-ideal is prevalent in South Korea, and having a slim body is viewed as an essential component for a successful marriage and career 5. Hong and Hong2 reported high proportions of women and young adults as well as a high prevalence rate of cancer in the underweight group. The underweight group was found to have a low alcohol consumption rate, which might be due to stop drinking with the consequences of harmful health problems, and also had the highest level of stress awareness.…”