Factors Associated with the Development of Depression and the Influence of Obesity on Depressive Disorders: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Depression affects several aspects of life, including socioeconomic status, relationships, behavior, emotions, and overall health. The etiology of depression is complex and influenced by various factors, with obesity emerging as a significant contributor. This narrative review aims to investigate the factors associated with the development of depression, with a particular focus on the role of obesity. The literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO from May to July 2024. The review highlights the impact of environmental and socioeconomic conditions; lifestyle choices, including physical activity and dietary habits; stress; traumatic experiences; neurotransmitter imbalances; medical and psychological conditions; hormone fluctuations; and epigenetic factors on depression. A key emphasis is placed on the inflammatory processes linked to obesity, which may drive the bidirectional relationship between obesity and depression. The findings suggest that obesity is associated with an increased risk of depression, potentially due to chronic inflammation, neurochemical dysregulation, and the emotional and social challenges related to weight stigma and obesity management. Understanding these interconnected factors is important for developing targeted interventions to address both obesity and depression, leading to improved quality of life for those affected.