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Does Body Mass Index Confer Risk for Future Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors? A Meta-analysis of Longitudinal Studies

  • Psychological Issues (V Drapeau and V Ivezaj, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Body mass index (BMI) outside of the “normal” range is commonly cited as a predictor of adverse health outcomes and has been identified as a potential risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). This meta-analysis provides a descriptive and quantitative summary of the literature evaluating the longitudinal relationship between BMI/weight status and STBs.

Recent Findings

The longitudinal literature examining the relationship between BMI/weight status and STBs is small and methodologically constrained. Within the existing literature, BMI and weight status are generally weak or nonsignificant risk factors for STBs. It is possible that body weight has a complex relationship with physical and mental health, including STBs, which may not be possible to accurately capture with a singular metric such as BMI.

Summary

BMI and weight status do not appear to robustly predict STBs, at least within the methodological constraints of the existing literature.

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Availability of Data and Material

Data are available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Code and Software Availability

Comprehensive meta-analysis software can be purchased online at https://www.meta-analysis.com. R software can be freely downloaded online at https://www.r-project.org.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA

    Lauren M. Harris, Catherine E. Broshek & Jessica D. Ribeiro

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  1. Lauren M. Harris
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  3. Jessica D. Ribeiro
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Correspondence to Lauren M. Harris.

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Harris, L.M., Broshek, C.E. & Ribeiro, J.D. Does Body Mass Index Confer Risk for Future Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors? A Meta-analysis of Longitudinal Studies. Curr Obes Rep 11, 45–54 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-022-00468-y

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