Double strain of severe obesity and depression on perception of increased diabetes burden among homebound older women.
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BACKGROUND: Obesity, depression, and diabetes, all of which are increasing in prevalence among older women, represent a growing public health problem. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship of severe obesity and depressive symptomatology to perceived burden of diabetes. DESIGN: Baseline data of 266 homebound older women were used to cross-sectionally examine the relationship of depression and severe obesity with an individual's perception of the burden of diabetes on daily activities. RESULTS: The coexistence of depression and severe obesity was independently associated with increased burden of diabetes while depression or severe obesity individually was not. DISCUSSION: Older adults who are severely obese with depressive symptoms may be at particularly high risk for adverse outcomes, and represent a growing public health concern with diabetes management or complications.