Background Prior studies have had conflicting results regarding the relationship between
adolescent depression and adult obesity. Objective To test the hypothesis that depression in
adolescence would increase the risk for obesity in early adulthood. Methods We used data
from a longitudinal study of a birth cohort of children born between April 1, 1972, and March
31, 1973, in Dunedin, New Zealand (N= 1037). These data included regular diagnostic
mental health interviews and height/weight measurements throughout childhood and …