08 Nov Childhood Depression and Antidepressants Associated With Weight Gain
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Lisa Bailey-Davis
Lisa Bailey-Davis, DEd, RD
Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Health Services Research
Associate Director, Obesity Institute
Geisinger Health Systems
Danville, PA 17822
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: National data from CDC suggest that 3.1% of 12-17 year olds self-reported using an antidepressant in 2005-2010, however we examined electronic health record orders at a large health system and found that antidepressants are ordered more frequently. Antidepressants were ordered for 7.2% of 13 year olds and 16.6% of 18 year olds in our population-representative data.
Five or more cumulative months of antidepressant use was strongly associated with increased body mass index, particularly among older youths. At age 18 years, youth treated with 12 or more months of antidepressants were likely to be 2.1 kg heavier than youth without antidepressants. Depression diagnosis, independent, of antidepressants was also associated with higher body mass index. At age 12 years, youth with at least 1 depression diagnosis had a higher average BMI than youth without such diagnosis.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: There are complex pathways and feedback loops in the relationship between depression, antidepressants, eating and activity behaviors, and weight. Our study disentangled the relationship between the diagnosis, the treatment and BMI and calls for careful clinical monitoring for youth with depression and those using antidepressants, as both are associated with higher BMI.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Future studies are needed to evaluate causal associations and effective prevention and treatment strategies for this vulnerable group.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: SSRIs were most commonly ordered antidepressant. At age 18, children treated with SSRIs for 12 or more moths were 2.53 kg heavier than those not treated with antidepressants. Children receiving Medical Assistance, a proxy indicator for lower-income households, were 2-2.5 times more likely to have an order for an antidepressant than children without Medical Assistance.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation: Presented at 2016 Obesity Week and
Depression, its comorbidities and treatment, and childhood body mass index trajectories
Lisa Bailey et al Obesity November 2016
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Last Updated on November 8, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD