Is There A Relationship between the Components Of Metabolic Syndrome and Depression?

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is characterized by at least three out of five main criteria, including high waist circumference, hypertension, high level of triglyceride, low level of high-density lipoprotein, and elevated fasting blood glucose. The International Diabetes Federation has estimated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome at 25% across the world. Metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in the individuals with depression, as well as other psychiatric disorders. However, the current findings in this regard are conflicting. The present study aimed to evaluate the associations between the criteria of metabolic syndrome and depression as the most common psychiatric disorder. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 participants aged 18-65 years. Metabolic syndrome was assessed based on the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation, and depression was evaluated based on the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Results: After the adjustment of the important confounders (physical activity, calorie intake, history of depression, depression score, menopausal status, body mass index, and dietary patterns), the waist circumference was observed to be significantly higher in the patients with depression compared to the other subjects. Conclusion: According to the results, visceral obesity may lead to depression and vice versa. Therefore, it is recommended that further investigation be conducted in this regard in order to confirm this association.