Changes in basal metabolic rate associated with depressive symptoms in Peruvian adults

Introduction: Depression affects mental and organic homeostasis, leading to alterations in energy metabolism. Objective: To determine the association between basal metabolic rate and depressive symptoms in Peruvian adults. Methods: An analytical and cross-sectional study based on the 2022 Family Demographic and Health Survey. The study population consisted of 31,681 adults. Variables included the presence of depression, basal metabolic rate, and sex. Educational level, weight, and height were included for multivariate adjustment. The Student t-test was used for independent samples, and the odds ratio was adjusted using binary logistic regression. Results: Low basal metabolic rate was higher in groups with moderate (women= 70.30%; men= 71.90%), moderately severe (women= 73.10%; men= 75.30%), and severe (women= 71.40%; men= 70%) depression. The average basal metabolic rate in women with depression was 1206 kilocalories/24 hours, while in women without depression it was 1295 kilocalories/24 hours (p< 0.001). In men with depression, the average basal metabolic rate was 1501 kilocalories/24 hours, while in men without depression it was 1598 kilocalories/24 hours (p< 0.001). In multivariate analysis, women with depressive symptoms had a Basal Metabolic Rate < 1400 kilocalories/24 hours 1.20 times more often than women without depressive symptoms (Odds Ratio= 1.195; 95% Confidence Interval= 1.121-1.197); p< 0.001). In men, the Basal Metabolic Rate < 1600 kilocalories/24 hours was 1.32 times more often (Odds Ratio= 1.319; 95% Confidence Interval= 1.278-1.357); p < 0.001). Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are associated with alterations in the basal metabolic rate in Peruvian adults.