Gender disparities in the synergistic impact of high sugar intake and depression on COPD: evidence from multidisciplinary data integration

To evaluate the gender-associated impact between dietary sugar intake and depression on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), this study investigates the interplay between high sugar intake, depression, and COPD risk. Using data from the Global Health Data Exchange (1990–2021) and the US NHANES survey (2011–2017), the study demonstrates that the global years-lived-with-disability burden of COPD is substantial and increasing, particularly among females. Analyses confirm that both high sugar intake and depression serve as independent risk factors for COPD, with a significant positive synergistic interaction accounting for approximately 30% of the total COPD risk model. A gender difference was observed, with women exhibiting a stronger interaction effect compared to men. In addition, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis established a unidirectional causal relationship, indicating that both sugar intake and depression can causally increase the risk of COPD, with depression presenting a larger effect size. These findings highlight the importance of dietary regulation and mental health management in COPD prevention and care, particularly among female populations.