Depression-related differences in lean body mass distribution from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006

BackgroundAlthough the association between depression and body composition has been widely discussed, the effects of depression on lean body mass (LBM) are unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the association of depression with LBM.MethodsThe study included 2406 participants aged 18–69 years. The sex and body mass index (BMI) stratified analysis of covariance was performed to compare total LBM and percentage LBM (%LBM) in subjects with different depression score levels. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to estimate the association between depression score and serum albumin level.ResultsAn analysis of covariance stratified by sex showed that participants with moderate-to-severe depression had significantly decreased total LBM and total and regional %LBM in men, except for total LBM and percentage gynoid LBM, which was observed in women. In the BMI stratified analysis of covariance, depression was significantly associated with decreased total and regional %LBM and with increased total and regional percentage fat body mass. In people with BMI≥25 kg/m2, the associations between depression or depressive syndrome and LBM, and total and regional %LBM are stronger compared to those with BMI<25 kg/m2. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that depression score was significantly negatively associated with serum albumin level.LimitationsThis is a cross-sectional study based on a general population, some information about clinical diagnosis and medication use is not available.ConclusionsDepression had a significant negative association with LBM and serum albumin level.