A Prospective Study of the Role of Depression in the Development and Persistence of Adolescent Obesity

Adolescent obesity is a strong predictor of adult obesity, and adult obesity has been associated with depression, especially in women. Studies have also suggested an association between depression in adolescence and higher body mass index (BMI) in adulthood. Whether depression leads to obesity or obesity causes depression is unclear.

To determine in longitudinal analyses whether depressed mood predicts the development and persistence of obesity in adolescents.