Body Mass Index and Depressive Symptoms in Black Girls

Objective: To examine the relationship between body mass index and depressive symptoms among Black girls.

Methods: Participants included 261 Black preadolescent girls ages 8-10 years (mean ± SD, age = 9.4 ± 0.9 yrs, BMI = 20.7 + 4.9 kg/m²) recruited to participate in a community-based study (Stanford GEMS, Girls health Enrichment Multi-site Studies). Girls were measured for height and weight, depressive symptoms, weight concerns, and self-esteem. Afro-centric ethnic identity was reported by parents. Spearman correlation coefficients and multivariate analyses were used to explore the relationship between BMI and depressive symptoms.

Results: BMI was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (r = 0.18, p < 0.01). Overweight concerns were significantly associated with BMI (r = 0.45, p < .001) and depressive symptoms (r = 0.54, p < .001). Low self-esteem and Afro-centric ethnic identity were both associated with depressive symptoms (r = 0.42. p < .001; r = -0.14, p < .05), but not with BMI. After accounting for levels of overweight concerns, BMI was no longer significantly associated with depressive symptoms, but overweight concerns and depressive symptoms remained significantly related after accounting for BMI.

Conclusion: The relationship between BMI and depressive symptoms in Black girls may be mediated by girls' concerns with their body weight and shape. Strategies to prevent depressive symptoms, regardless of girls' BMI, may benefit from paying more attention to their weight concerns.