Correlation between body mass index, body image and depression among women referring to Health Clinic of Hazrat- e-Ali Hospital Health Clinic in Karaj (2009)

Obesity is a major health concern that is prevalent in women. Obesity and overweight affect physical and psychological well-being. The aim of the present study was to determine correlation between body mass index, body image, and depression among women referring to health clinic of Hazrat-e-Ali hospital in Karaj in 2009. This was a descriptive- correlational study conducted on 200 women referring to the health clinic of Hazrat-e-Ali hospital in Karaj in 2009, who were selected through convenience sampling, and then, assessed. Necessary information was collected by means of demographic data form, a multi - dimensional body self -image questionnaire evaluation (MBSRQ-AE), body shape questionnaire and (CES-D) center for epidemiologic studies depression scale. The obtained data was analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and coefficient Pearson's correlation at the significant level P<0.05. The findings indicated that mean body mass index was 25.6 ± 3.8, mean score of body image was 118.2 ± 12.5, body dissatisfaction 72.9 ± 33.1 and mean depression was 17.6 ± 11.6. Overweight was diagnosed in 45.5% of women, moderate body image was observed in 32.5%, 29% of the women expressed mild body dissatisfaction and 31.5% suffered mild to moderate depression. There was a significant negative correlation between body mass index with score of body image (P=0.002) and a positive correlation with body dissatisfaction (P<0.001) and score of depression (P=0.002). There was a negative correlation between score of depression and body image (P=0.038) and a positive correlation with body dissatisfaction (P=0.002). The present study showed that overweight and obesity in women leads to a negative body image and increases body dissatisfaction and depression.