The association of overweight and obesity with depression in adults and children: findings from an umbrella meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose Overweight, obesity, and depression are major public health concerns. Previous meta-analyses examining their association have reported inconsistent findings. This umbrella meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the association between overweight, obesity, and depression. Methods EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Library, and PubMed were searched up to January 2025. Random-effects models were used to evaluate associations between overweight/obesity and depression. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses assessed potential sources of heterogeneity and the robustness of findings. Results Thirteen meta-analyses were included. Children with overweight had higher odds of depression than children with normal weight (OR: 1.22; 95% CI 1.05–1.42). No significant association was observed between overweight and depression among adults (OR: 1.00; 95% CI 0.88–1.13). Adults with obesity had higher odds of depression than adults with normal weight (OR: 1.23; 95% CI 1.03–1.46). Qualitative evidence suggested positive associations between depression and obesity in children and adults, and a possible bidirectional association during adolescence. Conclusions This umbrella meta-analysis suggests an association between overweight and depression among children and between obesity and depression among adults. However, substantial heterogeneity and methodological limitations of some included meta-analyses should be considered when interpreting these findings. Level of evidence Level I, systematic review and meta-analysis.