Mood disorders and obesity

Purpose of review: The aim of this article is to provide an updated review of studies examining the relationship between mood disorders and obesity that have been published within the past year. The increasing number of studies using novel designs to address this topic necessitates an updated review. Recent findings: The literature on mood disorders and obesity is gradually moving beyond cross-sectional designs that compare 'obese' and 'non-obese' individuals with respect to psychological functioning. An increasing number of studies have used prospective designs, tested physiological pathways linking disorders, explored changes in weight status and psychological functioning in response to treatment, and used genetic designs to examine co-morbidities. Summary: Novel designs, most notably prospective studies, are advancing the understanding of the relationships between obesity and mood disorders. The use of a 'moderator-mediator' framework may facilitate the conceptualization of questions and the design of new studies.