Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine gender differences in associations between body mass index (BMI) and affective disorders.
Methods: We used logistic regression to examine the effects of BMI and gender on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) mood and anxiety disorders in a sample of 40,790 adults.
Results: Obesity (BMI >30.0) was associated with increased risk for any mood disorder, major depressive disorder, and dysthymic disorder, in both men and women (odds ratios [ORs], 1.35-1.88). Risk of bipolar I and II disorders was elevated in obese women (ORs, 1.70-2.41) but not men. Overweight (BMI = 25.0-29.9) predicted increased risk for any mood disorder and bipolar I disorder in women but not in men (ORs, 1.16-1.44). Obesity was associated with increased odds of any anxiety disorder and specific phobia in men and women (ORs, 1.35-1.79). Obese women were additionally at increased risk for social phobia. Overweight predicted increased risk of social phobia and specific phobia for women but not for men (ORs, 1.27-1.37).
Conclusions: Obese individuals of both genders are at increased risk for a range of mood and anxiety disorders, but women who are even moderately overweight experience increased risks for some disorders as well.