Key result
An increment of 1 kg/m2 in BMI was significantly associated with a 2.2% increased risk of depressive symptoms (OR 1.022), with the relationship being non-linear and gender-dependent.
Why the study?
Although associations between BMI, HSCRP, and depressive symptoms have been observed, the complex relationship among them remains uncertain.
Cross-Sectional (n=4,834)
Elevated BMI and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein are non-linearly associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms, particularly in women.
May warrant BMI screening for depressive symptoms; extends associations but leaves causality and gender effects open for prospective study.
Objective Studies have shown associations between Body Mass Index (BMI), High-Sensitivity C-reactive protein (HSCRP), and depressive symptoms(DP). However, the complex relationship between them remains uncertain. The objective of this research is to examine the correlation between them in a substantial sample that is representative of the national level. Methods Our analysis was based on the 2015-2016National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).DP was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis and stratified analysis, we examined the relationship between BMI, HSCRP, and DP. We applied generalized additive models to explore the non-linear relationships among variables. Results This study included a total of 4834 participants. The results revealed that BMI (P=0.002) and HSCRP (P=0.008) were risk factors for DP. The relationship between BMI and DP (P=0.035), BMI and HSCRP (P<0.001) were non-linear. The nonlinear association between HSCRP and DP (P=0.031), BMI and DP (P=9e-04) is significant in females when stratified by gender. No nonlinear association was found between BMI and DP (P =0.677) and between HSCRP and DP (P =0.439) in males. The results of the interaction test reveal a significant interaction between HSCRP and gender. Conclusions Research has found both BMI and HSCRP are risk factors for DP and the relationship between them was non-linear. The nonlinear associations between BMI and DP, as well as between HSCRP and DP, are gender-dependent.
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Zhang et al. (2025) conducted a cross-sectional in Depressive symptoms (n=4,834). Body Mass Index (BMI) vs. Lower BMI was evaluated on Depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) (OR 1.022, 95% CI 1.008-1.037, p=0.002). An increment of 1 kg/m2 in BMI was significantly associated with a 2.2% increased risk of depressive symptoms (OR 1.022), with the relationship being non-linear and gender-dependent.
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