Obesity and depressive symptoms in Chinese elderly.
OBJECTIVE
The main objective was to examine the association between obesity and depressive symptoms among Chinese elderly in Hong Kong.


METHODS
Cross-sectional data on depressive symptoms and body mass index from 56 167 clients aged 65 or over who enrolled as members of Elderly Health Centres from July 1998 to December 2000 were analysed using multiple logistic regression with adjustment of potential confounders.


RESULTS
Among 18 750 men and 37 417 women, the prevalence [95% confidence interval (CI)] of depressive symptoms (based on the Geriatric Depression Scale) was 4.9% (4.6-5.2%) and 7.9% (7.6-8.1%) respectively (p < 0.001). The prevalence of obesity (by World Health Organisation Asian standard: body mass index > or =25.0) in women was significantly higher than that of men (42.1% (41.6-42.7%) vs 36.6% (35.9-37.3%), p < 0.001). Obese men and women were about 20% less likely to suffer from depressive symptoms compared with those with normal weight after adjustment for confounders, with odds ratios (95% CI) of 0.82 (0.69-0.97) and 0.78 (0.71-0.86) respectively. Negative linear trends were observed between depressive symptoms and BMI categories in both sexes, and women showed a greater slope and stronger statistical significance than men.


CONCLUSIONS
Both obese elderly men and women in Hong Kong were less likely to suffer from depressive symptoms than those of normal weight. The results support the 'jolly fat' hypothesis previously restricted to men, and extend the hypothesis to female elderly. Chinese traditional culture and positive values towards obesity may be protective against depressive symptoms.
Li
Zhi Bin
ZB
Department of Community Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
Ho
Sai Yin
SY
Chan
Wai Man
WM
Ho
Kin Sang
KS
Li
Mun Pik
MP
Leung
Gabriel M
GM
Lam
Tai Hing
TH
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012737:Sex Factors