The association between the triglyceride-glucose-a body shape index (TyG-ABSI) and depressive symptoms in US adults:...

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and often co-occurs with various metabolic disorders. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and A Body Shape Index (ABSI) are independently associated with depression, but their combined effect remains unexplored. This study aims to examine the relationship between the integrated index TyG-ABSI and depression within a nationally representative sample.

This cross-sectional analysis included 12,910 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2018. TyG-ABSI was calculated as TyG × Waist Circumference (WC)/ [Body Mass Index (BMI)²/³ × height¹/²]. Depressive symptoms were defined as a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score ≥ 10. We utilized weighted multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS), and subgroup analyses to assess the relationships while controlling for various demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and clinical variables.

Elevated TyG-ABSI was independently associated with increased depressive symptom risk (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 1.75, 95 % CI: 1.30-2.37), particularly among non-diabetic individuals. RCS analysis indicated a linear dose-response relationship in the overall population (P < 0.05). A non-linear association was observed in females (P = 0.021), while a significant linear relationship was found among those with a high school diploma/GED or less (P < 0.001).

Our findings demonstrate a significant association between the TyG-ABSI index and the risk of depressive symptoms among adults in the United States. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating both metabolic and visceral obesity metrics when evaluating mental health outcomes. Further research is needed to establish causality and elucidate mechanisms.