Association of Academic Level and Body Mass Index with Depressive Symptoms Among Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Bronx, NY: A Cross-Sectional Study

Depression and obesity are a public health crisis in the United States. A plethora of research has established an association between obesity and depression. Research on the relationship between normal weight, non-normal weight (underweight, overweight, and obesity), academic level, and depression among college students is limited. This study aims fills an important gap in the literature by analyzing the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and depression by academic level. In addition, the interaction between BMI and depression by academic level was also evaluated. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using a subscale (depression) of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) from 987 undergraduate and graduate students from two colleges in the Bronx, NY. BMI was calculated using participant’s self-reported height and weight. Data were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression analyses. Results indicate that students in the normal weight category were less likely to be depressed compared to underweight, overweight, and obese students (Model 1: Adjusted Exp(B) = 0.641, C.I. = 0.416–0.989, and p = 0.044). Those who were in the freshman year were twice as likely to be depressed compared to graduate students (Model 1: Adjusted Exp(B) = 2.236, C.I. = 1.158–4.318, and p = 0.017). A significant interaction between BMI and academic level was found (Model 2: Adjusted Ex(B) = 5.404, C.I. = 1.114–26.221, and p = 0.036). This implies that the association between BMI and depression varies by academic level (sophomore). In conclusion institutions should develop programs that address risk factors for underweight, overweight, obesity, and depression simultaneously, with the goal of improving overall well-being and academic outcomes, especially among lower level (freshmen and sophomore) students.