Body Mass Index and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: The Moderating Roles of Race, Sex, and Socioeconomic Status

Among older adults, BMI was associated with depressive symptoms although the effect size was small. Factors contributing to this relationship may differ from those observed in younger populations, for example, health functioning may play a larger role. Obesity appears to have the most adverse impact on those who are most likely to be overweight, lower SES African Americans.