Obesity and depression show bidirectional elevated risk in large meta-analysis

Analysis released 5 November 2026 finds each condition increases risk of the other by more than 55%.

Stands on 3 placed sources from 2 publishers.

Therapist works with patient to address linked obesity and depression. AI illustrationhow this picture was made

A meta-analysis of 15 long-term studies with approximately 58000 participants found obesity increases depression risk by 55%. Depression increases subsequent obesity risk by 58%. ^[1] Separate research published the same day examined obesity-related cancer risk across glucose lowering medications. No statistically significant differences in this cancer risk were found between GLP-1 agonists, metformin, DPP4 inhibitors, or SGLT2 inhibitors across any diabetes severity group. ^[2] At 3 years follow-up, GLP-1 agonist users had an estimated 2.01% obesity-related cancer risk. This compared to 3.26% for insulin users and 3.98% for sulfonylurea users. ^[3]

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Meta-analysis of 15 long-term studies with ~58000 participants found obesity increases depression risk by 55%, depression increases obesity risk by 58%. · Media Indonesia
No statistically significant differences in obesity-related cancer risk were found between GLP-1 agonists and metformin, DPP4 inhibitors, or SGLT2 inhibitors across any diabetes severity group. · MedpageToday
At 3 years follow-up, GLP-1 agonist users had an estimated 2.01% obesity-related cancer risk, compared to 3.26% for insulin users and 3.98% for sulfonylurea users. · MedpageToday

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