Fat compartments in patients with depression: A meta-analysis
Alisa S Cosan1, Julietta U Schweiger2, Kai G Kahl3
1Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lubeck, Germany.
Brain and Behavior
|November 5, 2020
Summary
Depression is linked to increased visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Further research is needed to understand how depressive disorders lead to visceral fat accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Depressive disorders are prevalent globally and are a known predictor of metabolic syndrome.
- The impact of depression on adipose tissue compartments remains a subject of debate.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for metabolic health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis on the association between depression and adipose tissue compartments.
- To compare adipose tissue measurements in individuals with depression versus healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of the PubMed database was performed for relevant human studies.
- Studies measuring visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) using imaging techniques were included.
- Data from 12 studies involving 1,141 depressed and 2,545 nondepressed individuals were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Major depressive disorder and depressive symptoms correlated with elevated VAT and SAT.
- Subanalyses confirmed higher VAT in depressed individuals across various demographics and assessment methods.
- These findings persisted in studies controlling for body mass index (BMI).
Conclusions:
- Depression is associated with increased visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue.
- Further longitudinal research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms linking depressive disorders to visceral adiposity.
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