Depression, Obesity and Suicide

According to Reuters Health, as body mass index (BMI) increases in men, the risk of death from suicide falls down remarkably. However, person's height and level of physical activity have no effect on suicide risk. Previous studies linked obesity with depression, but the connection with suicide risk received less attention.

Reported study involved the data analysis for 46,755 men whose height, weight, and physical activity levels were monitored from 1986 to 2002 or death. Mental health related quality of life was assessed with a standard survey. The report states that the suicide mortality rate ranged from 13 deaths per 100,000 people a year among men with a BMI of 30 or greater, to 52 deaths per 100,000 people a year for those with a BMI of less than 21. For each 1.0 unit increase in BMI the suicide risk was lowered by 11%.