eng Enviro Research Publishers Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal 2347-467X 2322-0007 2024-08-30 12 2 591 604 10.12944/CRNFSJ.12.2.9 20653 article Reema Abdulrahman Saad Alyamani 1 Jawaher Ahmed Abdullah Alhussieni 1 Muruj Matuq Mansi Alghashmari 1 Raghad Muslim Salem Alkhozai 1 Renad Ayyad Owaid Alsulami 1 Shaima Zaki Mahmoud Sab 1 Department of Clinical Nutrition, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Ara-bia. Background and Objective: Depression is a pervasive mental health concern that can negatively affect individuals' physical and emotional well-being. This study aimed to explore the link between depression levels and body weight, and to evaluate the impact of an individual's nutritional status. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study with a random sampling technique employed (n =710 people from the Saudi population). The data were collected via an online survey in November 2022. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic data, dietary habits, weight data, and some food items associated with stressful eating. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were applied to assess depression levels among participants (n = 710). Results: Data indicated that depression is widespread among the Saudi population, with varying degrees of severity. Moderate levels of depression represent 28.59% of Saudi society, while the Saudi population that suffered from severe depression levels reached 14.23% of our total sample population. Depression was positively and significantly correlated with eating behaviors and body mass index. Depression significantly increased with age. Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant correlation between depression, eating behavior, body mass index, and diet. The evidence supported a connection between higher body weight and depression. This suggests the need for interventions to reduce depression and obesity rates and promote a healthier society. https://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/volume12number2/association-between-depression-levels-and-body-weight-and-dietary-habits-in-a-sample-of-the-saudi-population-a-cross-sectional-study/ Anxiety Body weight Cortisol Depression Inflammation Stress Saudi population