P293. Disentangling the Effects of Depression and Perceived Stress on Cortisol Levels in Individuals With Obesity

Depression and obesity are highly comorbid disorders. Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been suggested as a potential biological mechanism involved in the link between these two disorders. High levels of stress can contribute to both depression and obesity as well as HPA axis dysregulation. In the current study, we investigated differences in cortisol levels in individuals with obesity with and without depression, and the effects of perceived stress and binge eating on cortisol levels.