Depression and Obesity in U.S. Military Service Members and Veterans: A Systematic Review

High body mass index (BMI) and depression are significant chronic health concerns in adult populations, including in the U.S. Military. This systematic review examines the published literature on the relationship between high BMI and depressive symptoms among U. S. service members (SMs) and veterans from the most recent wars.

A structured literature review published from 2012 to 2022 used established systematic review guidelines. Sixteen primary research studies from the last 10 years were examined using healthcare and social sciences databases. The studies included BMI and depressive symptoms as variables. Studies measured the relationship between BMI and depressive symptoms among those with military service during the Gulf War or Post-9/11 eras.

Four studies used SMs alone, 11 used veterans, and 1 used both. Nine studies found a relationship between high BMI and depressive symptoms, with 3 reporting the relationship only in specific sub-groups (e.g., specific BMI categories). Seven studies found no relationship. Mixed findings and varied study quality indicate a nuanced relationship. SMs and veterans have high BMIs and depressive symptoms at rates comparable to their civilian counterparts.

High BMI and depressive symptoms among SM and veterans could have consequences for personal health, healthcare systems, and national security. Little is understood about the complexity of relationship between high BMIs and depressive symptoms among military and veteran populations. Delivering evidence-based tailored care for SMs and veterans experiencing these conditions requires more research, especially intervention-based studies. Effective policies to ensure the holistic health of SMs and veterans are needed to secure the health and fitness of the warfighters in the U.S. Military.