Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depressive disorders are the most two harmful problems for human health in the 21st century. The relationships between the two diseases are complicated, yet the mechanisms are not clear so far. This study addressed this issue by clarifying shared and unique factors between metabolic syndrome (MS) and mild psychiatric disorder (MPD) using the 8-year follow-up Landseed cohort.

A total of 5712 community residents were followed-up and analyzed. The point prevalence rates of MS and MPD and their comorbidity rate were estimated by each wave. Three multiple logistic regression models, with each treating MS, MPD, and comorbid condition as dependent variable, were compared to identify the shared and unique factors. Variables specifically correlate with MS or MPD are defined as unique factors; whilst those correlated with both MS and MPD or with comorbid condition as shared factors.

The point prevalence rates of MS ranged 13.83-14.26%, MPD ranged 17.17-19.60%, and comorbidity rates 2.75-3.07% in three waves. Educational level and weekly exercise frequency are shared factors of MS and MPD. Moderate personal income is a unique protective factor for MS; and male and abstaining from alcohol use are unique protective factors for MPD.

A balanced life style is beneficial for both physical and psychological health. Specifically, there are no dose-response effects between weekly exercise frequency and MS or MPD. It is important for clinicians and health educators to educate community people to engage in exercise in a proper way to improve public health.