Body mass index mediates the relationship between depression and triglyceride levels: Evidence from a large national cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is linked to adverse metabolic outcomes, including elevated triglycerides and body mass index (BMI). However, mechanisms underlying this relationship-and their variation by age or sex-remain unclear.

Methods

Using data from over 200,000 participants in the All of Us Research Program, we examined associations between MDD (defined by SNOMED-coded diagnoses), BMI, and lipid biomarkers (triglycerides, HDL, LDL). Causal mediation analyses tested whether BMI mediated the MDD-triglyceride relationship, adjusting for age, sex, and alcohol intake. Sex differences and age-stratified effects (ages 25, 45, 65) were also explored.

Results

Individuals with MDD had higher BMI and triglyceride levels than those without (BMI SMD = 0.234; trig

SUBMITTER: Shah BB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12817363 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature