summary
background Metabolic syndrome might explain the relationship between depression and cardiovascular disease.
aim To examine the (longitudinal) relationship between depressive symptoms, cortisol and metabolic syndrome, especially visceral fat.
methods Our study derives data on depressive symptoms, cortisol, visceral fat and metabolic syndrome obtained from three different cohorts of older persons (Inchianti, lasa, Health abc).
results Metabolic dysregulation, especially in relation to fat occurs mainly in depressed persons with hypercortisolemia. There seems to be a vicious cycle between depressive symptoms and visceral fat.
conclusion Early detection of metabolic disturbances in depressed patients might prevent cardiovascular outcomes. Future research should investigate whether the treatment of depression could positively influence metabolic syndrome, and whether, conversely, the treatment of metabolic syndrome could relieve depression.