The Association Between Body Mass Index and Anxious Arousal, Depressive, and Insomnia Symptoms Among World Trade Center Responders

Authors

Brooke Y. Kauffman, University of HoustonFollow
Roman Kotov, Stony Brook University
Lorra Garey, University of Houston
Camilo J. Ruggero, University of North Texas
Benjamin J. Luft, Stony Brook University
Michael J. Zvolensky, University of Houston

Abstract

Elevations in body mass index (BMI) among World Trade Center (WTC) responders may be associated with poor mental health outcomes. The current study examined the association of BMI with anxious arousal, depressive, and insomnia symptoms among this group. Participants were 412 WTC responders (89.4% male, M_age = 55.3 years, SD = 8.66) who completed health monitoring assessments (self-report and objective) as part of the Long Island site of the WTC Health Program (LI-WTC-HP). Results suggested BMI was statistically significant only in relation to anxious arousal (sr² = .02, p = .008), after accounting for age and sex. The current study suggests that weight management programs may aid in promoting additional benefits for WTC responders by reducing anxious arousal symptoms as a function of reduced BMI.

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Recommended Citation

Kauffman, Brooke Y.; Kotov, Roman; Garey, Lorra; Ruggero, Camilo J.; Luft, Benjamin J.; and Zvolensky, Michael J. (2022) "The Association Between Body Mass Index and Anxious Arousal, Depressive, and Insomnia Symptoms Among World Trade Center Responders," Health Behavior Research: Vol. 5: No. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2572-1836.1107