Table 2. Mediation analysis by diet quality, physical activity level and inflammation markers of the association between major depressive disorder and obesity (BMI).
| Association | Mediator¥ OR (95% CI) | Natural direct effect OR (95% CI) | Natural indirect effect OR (95% CI) | Total effect OR (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDD → Obesity (BMI) | Diet quality | 2.12 (1.11–3.67) | 0.96 (0.83–1.11) | 2.01 (1.12–3.67) |
| Physical activity level | 2.10 (1.16–3.78) | 1.02 (0.88–1.18) | 2.14 (1.19–3.67) | |
| C-reactive protein level | 1.67 (0.92–2.97) | 1.20 (1.01–1.42) | 1.99 (1.09–3.63) | |
| IL-6 | 2.01 (1.12–3.60) | 1.10 (0.94–1.29) | 2.20 (1.21–4.06) | |
| MDD → Obesity (FMI) | Diet quality | 1.31 (0.68–2.51) | 1.05 (0.90–1.23) | 1.38 (0.72–2.63) |
| Physical activity level | 1.45 (0.76–2.75) | 1.03 (0.89–1.20) | 1.49 (0.79–2.83) | |
| C-reactive protein level | 1.12 (0.59–2.12) | 1.06 (0.90–1.25) | 1.19 (0.63–2.28) | |
| IL-6 | 1.30 (0.68–2.44) | 1.13 (0.96–1.32) | 1.45 (0.76–2.75) | |
| MDD → Abdominal obesity (WC) | Diet quality | 1.26 (0.55–2.86) | 0.97 (0.79–1.20) | 1.22 (0.54–2.75) |
| Physical activity level | 1.32 (0.58–2.92) | 1.08 (0.87–1.33) | 1.42 (0.63–3.22) | |
| C-reactive protein level | 1.12 (0.50–2.63) | 1.04 (0.83–1.31) | 1.16 (0.51–2.63) | |
| IL-6 | 1.30 (0.58–2.92) | 1.12 (0.90–1.40) | 1.46 (0.64–3.25) |
¥ Each mediator was analyzed separately.
BMI: body mass index; FMI: fat mass index; GAD: generalized anxiety disorder; MDD: major depressive disorder; WC: waist circumference
Analyses was adjusted for the mother’s age, pre-pregnancy BMI and education level, maternal smoking in pregnancy, maternal alcohol use in pregnancy, family income at birth, sex, skin color, birth weight, maternal mental health at 11 years, tobacco and alcohol use at 15 years old and parenthood at 18 years old.