Association Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults

Objective: Depression is a common and disabling condition in older adults. Identifying simple, non-invasive predictors of depression risk is essential for early intervention. The Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI), a novel anthropometric marker of central adiposity, may be associated with depressive symptoms in older populations. This study aims to investigate the association between WWI and depressive symptoms in adults aged 65 years and older. Material and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 150 patients aged ≥65 years attending a geriatrics outpatient clinic. Sociodemographic, functional, cognitive, nutritional, and anthropometric data were collected. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Yesevage Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), with scores ≥5 indicating depression. WWI was calculated as waist circumference (cm) divided by the square root of weight (kg). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with depressive symptoms. Results: Depressive symptoms were present in 53 participants (35.3%). Patients with depressive symptoms had significantly higher WWI values (11.68 ± 0.73 vs. 11.28 ± 0.66, p