Depressive symptoms mediate the association between fear of crime and higher body mass index.

PURPOSE To investigate pathways in the association between fear of crime and obesity. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey was administered among residents aged 18 years and older across all Census tracts. SETTING Genesee County, Michigan. SUBJECTS A total of 3192 residents. MEASURES Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by using the respondents' reported height and weight. Composite fear-of-crime and depressive symptoms scores were calculated by using several survey items. ANALYSIS . Path analysis examined the effects of fear of crime on BMI. RESULTS . Fear of crime was associated with higher BMI. Depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between fear of crime and BMI (p < .001). Moderate exercise mediated the association between depressive symptoms and BMI (p < .001). CONCLUSION Fear of crime was associated with depressive symptoms, which in turn were associated with reduced exercise and subsequently higher BMI.