493 - The Association Between Depression and Metabolic Syndrome Components in Adolescents with Obesity

Poster Number: 493
Publication Number: 493.100

Nisha Gupta, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States; Syed Shahrukh Hashmi, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States; Mona A. Eissa, The University of Texas medical school at Houston, Houston, TX, United States

Background: Obesity has metabolic consequences that were reported to have worsened by the co-existence of depression in adults. This relationship is explained by an overactive stress response and adoption of unhealthy lifestyle habits. The relationship between depression with obesity, its severity, and consequences is concerning, especially after an increase in prevalence of both during COVID-19. No data regarding this association is available for children and adolescents. 

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) components in youth with obesity who are identified with depression and youth who are obese and are not diagnosed with depression.

Design/Methods: A retrospective review of patients with obesity seen at a pediatric weight management clinic between July 1, 2018 and December 3, 2021 was performed.  Demographic, anthropometric, clinical and laboratory data, and PHQ-9 depression screening tool scores were abstracted. 

Results: Out of 160 patients, 46% had PHQ9 scores less than 5, suggesting no depression. 42 (26%) had a current/prior diagnosis of depression. Moderate to severe depression (scores >=10) was found in 25% of patients, including 18% of patients with no prior diagnosis of depression. Scores were higher among those reporting daytime fatigue or trouble sleeping compared to those without, and among patients that ate out 7 or more times per week compared to those that ate out less frequently. There were statistically significant associations between increasing weight, BMI, body fat percentage, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood insulin with higher PHQ9 scores (p < 0.02 for all). Nonsignificant correlations were found between PHQ9 scores and SBP of serum lipids (Spearman’s r < 30 for all).Conclusion(s): More than half of the adolescents with obesity had PHQ scores suggesting significant depression. Adolescents with higher PHQ9 scores had higher BMI, body fat percentage, diastolic blood pressure, and serum insulin. Screening and management of depression should be an important component of obesity management in adolescents.  This study suggests that comorbidity of depression is common in adolescents with obesity and often goes non-diagnosed.