MedicalResearch.com Interview with: 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. (more…)