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Lifer
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The take-home message for doctors is to be on the lookout for depression among their patients who are overweight," Fenton said.
Both conditions are quite common. About one-third of U.S. adults are obese, and depression affects about 10% of the population, or nearly 21 million U.S. adults in a given year.
Previous studies produced conflicting results on whether obesity is linked with mental illness including depression, although a growing body of research suggests there is an association.
This latest study helps resolve the question, said Dr. Susan McElroy, a psychiatry professor at the University of Cincinnati and editor of a textbook on obesity and mental disorders.
"This is a state-of-the-art psychiatric epidemiology study that really confirms that there is, in fact, a relationship," she said.
The study was based on an analysis of a national survey of 9,125 adults who were interviewed to assess mental state. Obesity status was determined using participants' self-reported weight and height measurements.
The take-home message for doctors is to be on the lookout for depression among their patients who are overweight," Fenton said.
Both conditions are quite common. About one-third of U.S. adults are obese, and depression affects about 10% of the population, or nearly 21 million U.S. adults in a given year.
Previous studies produced conflicting results on whether obesity is linked with mental illness including depression, although a growing body of research suggests there is an association.
This latest study helps resolve the question, said Dr. Susan McElroy, a psychiatry professor at the University of Cincinnati and editor of a textbook on obesity and mental disorders.
"This is a state-of-the-art psychiatric epidemiology study that really confirms that there is, in fact, a relationship," she said.
The study was based on an analysis of a national survey of 9,125 adults who were interviewed to assess mental state. Obesity status was determined using participants' self-reported weight and height measurements.
