title: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Overweight, and Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
abstract: Previous reports have suggested a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies, however, systematically analyze the relationship between PTSD and body mass index (BMI). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at estimating the association between PTSD and BMI. Fifty-four articles were reviewed, 30 of which (with 191,948 individuals with PTSD and 418,690 trauma-exposed individuals or healthy controls) were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The pooled standard mean difference, based on a random-effects model, was 0.41 (95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.54; z = 6.26; p < .001). Statistical heterogeneity between the included studies was high (p < .001; I = 99%). Despite limitations, the findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest an association between PTSD and BMI. Furthermore, longitudinal studies tentatively indicate that PTSD may lead to an increase in BMI and, as such, to the development of overweight/obesity, particularly in women. Further prospective studies and research elaborating the nature and etiology of the association are required.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: Sharain
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Suliman
authors.forename: Lise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Anthonissen
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Carr
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: du Plessis
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Emsley
authors.forename: Sian M J
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Hemmings
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lochner
authors.forename: Nathaniel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: McGregor
authors.forename: Leigh
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: van den Heuvel
authors.forename: Soraya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Seedat
mesh_terms: D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology*