Serious psychological distress and its associations with body mass index: findings from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Abstract

Objectives:

To examine the associations of body mass index (BMI) with serious psychological distress (SPD) after taking into consideration the obesity-related comorbidities (ORCs), lifestyle factors, or emotional support.

Methods:

Self-reported data (n = 153,865) from the 2007 BRFSS were analyzed. Psychological distress was assessed by the Kessler-6 Questionnaire; respondents with a Kessler–6 score of ≥ 13 were defined as having SPD. The adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using log-binomial regression analyses.

Results:

Overall, 3.2 % of U.S. adults had SPD. The prevalence of SPD was significantly higher among men who were underweight or obese, or among women who were underweight, overweight or obese, compared to those with a normal BMI. The APRs for SPD were 1.58 (95 % CI: 1.06–2.35) in adults who were underweight, and were 1.21 (95 % CI: 1.04–1.41), 1.31 (95 % CI: 1.07–1.61), and 1.36 (95 % CI: 1.13–1.63), respectively, in obese adults with BMI of 30−<35 kg/m², 35−<40 kg/m², and ≥40 kg/m² (adults with a normal BMI as the referent).

Conclusion:

An abnormal BMI is associated with an increased likelihood of having SPD independent of multiple ORCs, lifestyle factors, or emotional support.