Effects of depression and relative fat mass on gestational diabetes mellitus history: evidence from NHANES 2007–2020
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The growing prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) presents a significant clinical concern. In parallel, obesity has escalated to epidemic levels, and the mental health-GDM connection has been increasingly documented. Against this backdrop, the present study primarily investigates the independent and joint contributions of relative fat mass (RFM) and depression to GDM risk. METHODS: Data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) covering the years 2007-2020. The separate associations of RFM and depression with GDM history were analyzed using a weighted logistic regression model, while interaction analysis was conducted to explore their combined effect. Subgroup analyses were conducted for further validation. RESULTS: Among 8622 eligible participants, 775 (9.00%) had a history of GDM. The median age at first live birth was 22.00 years (19.00, 26.00). After adjusting for confounding variables, both increased RFM (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.05-1.09) and depression scores (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02-1.06) were linked to an elevated risk of GDM. The coexistence of obesity (RFM ≥ 40%) and depression yielded a synergistic effect greater than their individual impacts (RERI = 0.87; ROR = 1.33). These findings were consistent across subgroup and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent elevation in RFM and depressive symptoms significantly heightens the likelihood of GDM history. These results support the integration of metabolic and psychological factors into preventive frameworks targeting GDM history.
Institution: Cangzhou Central Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7127039162