Effects of sarcopenic obesity on depressive symptoms and their trajectories: findings from the CHARLS 2011-2020

Sarcopenia and obesity are recognized factors associated with the onset of depression. Our study aims to clarify the specific impact of sarcopenic obesity on depression development and the longitudinal trajectories of depressive symptoms.

Data from the 2011-2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were utilized, including 8532 participants aged ≥ 45 years. Cox proportional hazards regression assessed the effect of sarcopenic obesity on the incidence of depression. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression explored the relationship between components of sarcopenic obesity (waist circumference, BMI, handgrip strength, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASM/Ht²)) and depression risk. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) identified depressive symptom trajectories among 7895 participants. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed the influence of sarcopenic obesity and other covariates on depressive symptom trajectories.

Sarcopenic non-obesity (HR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03-1.28) and sarcopenic obesity (HR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.04-1.58) were associated with increased depression risk. RCS analysis revealed a significant dose-response relationship between components of sarcopenic obesity (waist circumference, BMI, handgrip strength, and ASM/Ht²) and depression risk (P for overall trend < 0.05). Three depressive symptom trajectories over the nine years were identified: relatively stable (48.1%), moderate growth (41.8%), and rapid growth (10.1%). Sarcopenic obesity (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.40-3.51) was identified as a potential factor influencing variability in depressive symptom trajectories.

Sarcopenic obesity is associated with an increased risk of depression and may affect the progression of depressive symptoms. Improving muscle mass and strength and maintaining moderate abdominal fat in middle-aged and older adults could help prevent depression.