Association Between Body Mass Index and Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidality in University Students From Seven Regions of China: A Cross-Sectional Study

No Thumbnail Available
File version
Author(s)
Siau, Ching Sin
Lester, David
Lew, Bob
Kolves, Kairi
Huen, Jenny Mei Yiu
Gunn, John F
Sun Chen, Won
Ibrahim, Norhayati
Fariduddin, Muhamad Nur
Koo, Hui Chin
Jia, Cunxian
Prawiromaruto, Ian Griffin
Chan, Caryn Mei Hsien
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2025
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

Our study explored the link between body mass index (BMI) and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among university students in China. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 11 251 undergraduates from seven provinces. Body mass index, physical health status, economic status, depression and anxiety symptoms, and suicidality were self-reported using validated questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted for males and females. Results showed that of 11 251 participants (mean age = 20.7 ± 1.3), 22.6% were with underweight, 6.1% with overweight, and 2.7% with obesity. Females with class III obesity had higher suicide risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.05) and suicide attempt history (aOR = 3.55). Males with overweight and class I obesity had lower odds of depressive symptoms. Suicide attempt history was associated with higher odds of overweight for males (aOR = 2.58). Clinicians and public health authorities should take into consideration the implications of overweight and obesity levels on suicidality.

Journal Title

Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note

This publication has been entered in Griffith Research Online as an advance online version.

Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Sociology

Social psychology

Public health

Persistent link to this record
Citation

Siau, CS; Lester, D; Lew, B; Kolves, K; Huen, JMY; Gunn, JF; Sun Chen, W; Ibrahim, N; Fariduddin, MN; Koo, HC; Jia, C; Prawiromaruto, IG; Chan, CMH, Association Between Body Mass Index and Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidality in University Students From Seven Regions of China: A Cross-Sectional Study, Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health, 2025

Collections