Summary of Obesity Amplifies Risk of Mental Disorders – Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis, and More:
A study from the Medical University of Vienna has found a strong correlation between obesity and various mental disorders, with women being at higher risk than men for most conditions. The study analyzed a dataset of all inpatient hospitalizations in Austria from 1997 to 2014 and found that an obesity diagnosis significantly increases the probability of a broad spectrum of mental disorders in all age groups. The researchers recommend thorough screening for mental health problems in obese patients to facilitate prevention or ensure appropriate treatment. The study emphasizes the importance of early screening for mental health issues in obese patients, particularly in young age groups with the most pronounced risk.
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Obesity Increases the Risk of Mental Disorders, Especially in Women: Study
A recent study by the Medical University of Vienna and the Complexity Science Hub Vienna highlights the strong correlation between obesity and the onset of various mental disorders, with women at higher risk than men for most conditions. The study, published in Translational Psychiatry, emphasizes the importance of early screening for mental health issues in obese patients.
Obesity Diagnosis Increases the Probability of Mental Disorders
The research team analyzed a population-based dataset of all inpatient hospitalizations in Austria from 1997 to 2014 to determine the relative risks of concomitant diseases in obesity and to identify statistically significant gender differences. The study found that an obesity diagnosis significantly increases the probability of a broad spectrum of mental disorders in all age groups, including depression, nicotine addiction, psychosis, anxiety, eating, and personality disorders.
Obesity as the First Diagnosis
To find out which illness typically appeared before and subsequently to the obesity diagnosis, the researchers developed a new method. This allowed them to determine whether there are trends and typical patterns in the occurrence of diseases. It was found that until now, physicians often assumed that psychopharmacological drugs were the cause of the link between mental disorders and diabetes. However, the data does not support this for depression or other psychiatric diagnoses.
Greater Impact on Women
Surprisingly, the researchers found significant gender differences for most disorders, with women showing an increased risk for all disorders except schizophrenia and nicotine addiction. While 16.66% of all obese men also suffer from nicotine addiction, this is only the case in up to 8.58% of obese women. The rate of diagnosed depressive episodes was almost three times higher in obese women (13.3% obese; 4.8% non-obese). Obese men were affected twice as often (6.61% obese; 3.21% non-obese).
Screening for Mental Health Problems Needed
Obesity affects over 670 million people worldwide and promotes metabolic disorders and serious cardio-metabolic complications. The fact that obesity often precedes severe mental disorders emphasizes its importance as a risk factor for the health problems of all children. This is primarily true for young age groups, where the risk is most pronounced. For this reason, thorough screening for mental health problems in obese patients is urgently needed to facilitate prevention or ensure that appropriate treatment can be given.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of addressing the mental health implications of obesity, especially in women. Early screening and interventions can help prevent and manage mental disorders in obese patients, improving their overall health and quality of life.
