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

Authors : Ayşe Dikmeer, Suna Bürkük
Pages : 379-385
Doi:10.52827/hititmedj.1702507
View : 44 | Download : 34
Publication Date : 2025-10-13
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :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<0.001). In the final regression model, being women (OR: 3.17; 95% CI: 1.21–8.32; p=0.019), lower SMMSE score (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.75–0.95; p=0.005), higher WWI (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 0.91–3.02; p=0.097), and lower MNA-SF score (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60–0.97; p=0.027) were associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Higher WWI may be linked to depressive symptoms in older adults. WWI could serve as a simple, non-invasive tool to help identify individuals at increased risk of depression. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Keywords : Ağırlıkla Düzeltilmiş Bel Çevresi İndeksi, Depresyon, Yaşlı bireyler

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