Byeon H. Beyond association: Examining overweight as a mediator in the link between depression and diabetes. World J Diabetes 2025; 16(6): 107071 [DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v16.i6.107071]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Haewon Byeon, PhD, Associate Professor, Director, Worker’s Care and Digital Health Lab, Department of Future Technology, Korea University of Technology and Education, 1600, Chungjeol-ro, Cheonan 31253, South Korea. bhwpuma@naver.com
Research Domain of This Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Article-Type of This Article
Letter to the Editor
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Diabetes. Jun 15, 2025; 16(6): 107071 Published online Jun 15, 2025. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v16.i6.107071
Beyond association: Examining overweight as a mediator in the link between depression and diabetes
Haewon Byeon
Haewon Byeon, Worker’s Care and Digital Health Lab, Department of Future Technology, Korea University of Technology and Education, Cheonan 31253, South Korea
Author contributions: Byeon H designed the study, involved in data interpretation, developed methodology.
Supported by the New Professor Research Program of KOREATECH, No. 202501930001.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The author reports no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Haewon Byeon, PhD, Associate Professor, Director, Worker’s Care and Digital Health Lab, Department of Future Technology, Korea University of Technology and Education, 1600, Chungjeol-ro, Cheonan 31253, South Korea. bhwpuma@naver.com
Received: March 16, 2025 Revised: April 2, 2025 Accepted: April 24, 2025 Published online: June 15, 2025 Processing time: 91 Days and 9.2 Hours
Abstract
This letter critically examines a recent study by Zhang et al investigating the mediating role of overweight in the association between depression and new-onset diabetes among middle-aged and older adults. The study provides compelling evidence that overweight mediates approximately 61% of this relationship, suggesting that depression may contribute to diabetes by influencing behaviors that lead to weight gain. This aligns with the understanding that depression can impact appetite regulation and physical activity. While the study employs a longitudinal design and robust statistical methods, limitations such as reliance on self-reported data and body mass index measurements warrant consideration. This analysis emphasizes the need for integrated interventions that address both mental and metabolic health for effective diabetes prevention. Future research should further explore the interplay of lifestyle factors, biological pathways, and social determinants in the development of this complex relationship. Ultimately, an integrated approach targeting both behavioral and biological components is crucial for the prevention and management of new-onset diabetes.
Core Tip: Zhang et al’s study reveals a significant mediating role of overweight in the relationship between depression and new-onset diabetes. This finding emphasizes the need for an integrated approach to treatment and prevention, addressing both mental and metabolic health concerns. Traditional approaches that focus solely on one aspect are insufficient. Future research should prioritize establishing causality, exploring underlying mechanisms, and developing comprehensive strategies for effective management.
