Obesity, body self-perception and major depression: differentials by sex in Brazil

Cláudio Santiago Dias Jr, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)
Ana Paula Verona, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)

The objective of this paper is to examine the association between obesity, body self-perception and major depression among men and women in Brazil. This study uses data from the National Survey on Social Inequality (2008) conducted by the Center for the Study of Wealth and Social Stratification (CERES), the Institute of Social and Political Studies (IESP). This survey collected information from 8,048 households and 12,326 individuals throughout Brazil. The Body Mass Index (BMI) (underweight = 18.5, normal weight = 18.5-24.9, overweight = 25-29.9 and obesity = BMI of 30 or greater) and self-perception will be used as the main independent variables. The dependent variable is the presence or absence of depression, which is attested by a health professional. Our results indicate the existence of an association between obesity, overweight and depression among men and an association between body self-perception and major depression among women.