Posttraumatic stress disorder and obesity: Does one suggest vulnerability to the other?

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with a variety of adverse health effects. Recently, PTSD has been reported to be associated with obesity among US male military veterans. Since previous studies have used cross-sectional and retrospective data, the temporal relationship between PTSD and body mass index (BMI) has not been established.

Objectives: To longitudinally examine the relationship between PTSD and BMI in a large military cohort.

Methods: The Millennium Cohort Study was launched in 2001 to gather and evaluate data on characteristics that may be associated with adverse health outcomes among military personnel. Study participants consisted of Millennium Cohort members who submitted baseline and follow-up questionnaires. New-onset PTSD was defined as meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria using the PTSD Checklist or self reporting physician diagnosis of PTSD at follow-up, with the absence of both at baseline. Self-reported weight and height was used to calculate BMI. Univariate analyses and multivariable modeling were performed to compare BMI in relation to new-onset PTSD.

Preliminary Results: Approximately 3% of the 55,110 participants who completed a baseline and follow-up questionnaire have new-onset PTSD symptoms or diagnosis at follow-up. Analyses are ongoing.

Conclusions: The current study presents a unique opportunity to longitudinally examine the relationship between PTSD and BMI in a large, population-based cohort. The results of this study will contribute to the understanding of the relationship between obesity and PTSD.