Obesity, Gender and Depression among College-Going Students

Abstract

Aims–To Study the effect of Obesity & Gender on Depression among College-Going Students

Method – The sample consisted of 200 college-going students (100 boys & 100 girls) in age range from 18 to 24 years hailing from Delhi & NCR colleges and the sample was selected by applying Incidental cum Purposive Sampling Method. In the present study, the data was gathered with the help BMI score of the respondents, intensive interviews (both formal & informal), Self-Made Checklist for obese patients & DSM-IV TR Diagnostic Criteria was used for the diagnosis of depressive patients and it was further assessed through Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI).

Outcomes – The tools were used to assess the effect of Obesity on Depression of College-Going Students across Delhi & NCR. The data was further quantitatively analysed i.e.  Mean, Standard Deviation and Correlation was calculated to examine the results found. The socio-demographic data sheet included variables were also studies in the respective research. The results indicated not only the conceptual understanding of the variables but positive correlation between obesity and depression. Significant gender differences were also found to be there. Girls were high on rate of depression as compared to boys.

Implications – Obesity is positively correlated to depression and obese are at risk for depression. This study holds implications in development of  psychological interventions that prepare youth on preventing, diagnosing, and treating major health problems related to obesity and depression.