People with higher levels of fat-related blood markers (like triglycerides and sugar) are more likely to have depression or anxiety, hinting that metabolic health might be tied to mental health.

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Against

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

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Abdominal Obesity Indices as Predictors of Psychiatric Morbidity in a Large-Scale Taiwanese Cohort

Cross-Sectional Study

Human

2025 Dec 19

This study found that two simple health measures—LAP and TyG—that show how much fat is stored around the belly, are linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety in both men and women, supporting the idea that belly fat’s metabolic effects may harm mental health.

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No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Abdominal Obesity Indices as Predictors of Psychiatric Morbidity in a Large-Scale Taiwanese Cohort

Score: 48

DOI: 10.3390/nu18010013

Similar Assertions

In women, a marker of fat around internal organs is linked to depression or anxiety, but not in men — suggesting men and women may have different biological links between belly fat and mood.

86%

Even though belly fat seems to link more strongly to depression in men than women, the overall pattern is the same for both — meaning the connection isn’t unique to one sex.

82%

Even after accounting for age, smoking, exercise, and other health problems, belly fat still links to depression and anxiety — meaning the connection isn’t just because of other health issues.

73%