Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the co-occurrence of obesity, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders among a rural population. The sample (N = 117) consisted of Hispanic Americans and non-Hispanic whites with an average body mass index of 30.9, which is considered obese (range 15.7 - 56.5). Data on the mental health status of the participants was collected using the SCID-I and MINI. Results indicated a significant difference in the proportion of obese adults in the sample as compared to the county, the state, and the national averages. Odds of non-Hispanic white females being obese were nearly four times greater, and the odds of Hispanic males being obese were five times greater, than the odds of non-Hispanic white males being obese. Odds of Hispanic females being depressed were seven times greater than odds of Hispanic males being depressed. Prevention and treatment plans need to be implemented in rural communities.