Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
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Associations between anxiety, depression, and weight status during and after pregnancy
Many women have reported difficulties with their mental health during and after pregnancy. There is also some evidence that suggests women living with excess weight may be more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression than women of a healthy weight.
We worked alongside public health colleagues at the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) to review the published literature in this area. We were particularly interested in whether anxiety and/or depression was worse in those living with excess weight around pregnancy than those living with a healthy weight.
Following an extensive search for relevant research articles, we found 14 studies of interest. Using scientifically accepted techniques we assessed the quality of these studies and statistically analysed them in the form of a meta-analysis.
We found that during and after pregnancy, symptoms of depression were a lot higher in women with obesity, compared to those with a healthy weight. We also found this for trait anxiety, which is a sort of anxiety where people worry on a regular basis rather than just in response to a stressful situation.
The findings of our research show that mental health should be considered when designing weight management programmes for pregnant women or women who have recently given birth. It may be useful for these services to try and identify individuals with anxiety and depression, and then signpost and/or provide extra support.
The published research article can be found at: http://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13668
Photography Credits: Nina H. Niestroj, www.nhs-photodesign.com
Dr Jamie Matu
Currently, Dr Matu is a Reader in Nutrition and Metabolic Health, based at City Campus in the Nutrition and Dietetics group.
