Challenging the “jolly fat” hypothesis among older adults

High body mass index predicts increases in depressive symptoms over a 5-year period

Bibliographic Data

ID7844274
AuthorsPeter Joseph Dearborn (The University of Maine, USA), Michael A Robbins (The University of Maine, USA), Merrill F Elias (0000-0001-7386-9282, The University of Maine, USA)
Year2018
Volume23
Issue1
Pages48-58
Publication date2018-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Health Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1359-1053 • E-ISSN: 1461-7277
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/1359105316675209
PMID27821681
OpenAlexW2555352806
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited36

Several investigators have observed lowered risk of depression among obese older adults, coining the “jolly fat” hypothesis. We examined this hypothesis using baseline and a 5-year follow-up body mass index, depressive symptoms, and covariates from 638 community-based older adults. High objectively measured body mass index and functional limitations predicted increased future depressive symptoms. However, symptoms did not predict future body mass index. Self-reported body mass index showed similar associations despite underestimating obesity prevalence. Results did not differ on the basis of gender. Results for this study, the first longitudinal reciprocal risk analysis between objectively measured body mass index and depressive symptoms among older adults, do not support the “jolly fat” hypothesis

Body mass index · Cognition · Depressive symptoms · Index (typography · Period (music · Psychiatry · Bariatric Surgery and Outcomes · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Medicine · Obesity and Health Practices · Psychology · Clinical Psychology · Demography · Gerontology · Internal Medicine

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