Association between depression and metabolic syndrome in korean women: Results from the korean national health and nutrition examination survey (2007-2013)

•Cross-sectional data from a large, representative sample of Korean women were used.•Depression was associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in these women.•Similar associations were found between depression and the components of MetS.•Addressing these MetS components might reduce mortality in women with depression.•Addressing these MetS components might also reduce cardiovascular disease events.

BackgroundA considerable amount of research suggests that depression may be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the risk factors for the development of CVD such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to investigate the associations between depression, MetS, and combinations of the individual MetS components in Korean women.MethodsCross-sectional data for 23,385 women who aged 19 years and older were obtained from the nationally representative Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2013). Associations between prior diagnosis of depression and MetS were estimated after adjusting for related factors using multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsMetS was more prevalent in women with a prior diagnosis of depression than those without diagnosed depression (26.20% vs. 19.07%, p<.001). Depression was significantly associated with MetS (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.43) after adjusting for age, education, monthly household income, smoking status, alcohol use, physical activity, and postmenopausal status. There was a higher prevalence of most MetS combinations among women with depression than women without depression. Specifically, significant differences between the two groups were found for MetS combinations including high triglycerides.LimitationsA cross-sectional study design and lack of a standardized objective measure for depression.ConclusionsDiagnosed depression is associated with MetS in Korean women. Specifically, women with diagnosed depression have significantly elevated levels of several combinations of MetS components including high triglycerides. Addressing these MetS combinations could help reduce CVD events and mortality among women with depression.