PTSD is associated with poor health behavior and greater Body Mass Index through depression, increasing cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk among U.S. veterans

physical activity and diet quality. Of the specific indirect pathways from PTSD to Body Mass Index (BMI), only the path through depression was significant. Higher depression symptoms were significantly associated with less physical activity, poorer diet, and greater likelihood of smoking. In addition, the specific indirect effect from depression to BMI through physical activity was significant. Current smoking and higher BMI were associated with greater likelihood of diabetes, and hypertension was associated with greater likelihood of CVD. PTSD symptoms may increase risk for CVD and diabetes through the 'negative impact of depression on health behaviors and BMI. With or without PTSD, depression may be an important target in interventions targeting cardiovascular and metabolic diseases among veterans.