Major depression is the top cause of disability for Americans between the ages of 15 and 44, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Your risk of developing this mental health condition increases if you are obese, especially if you have low self-esteem because of your weight. The relationship between obesity and depression is complex; each can influence the other negatively. If you are struggling with your weight, it's vital to know the signs of depression and get help if needed.
Understanding Depression
Being depressed is more than just being sad for a couple of days; it's long-lasting sadness or despair that affects your ability to function. Your interest in the things that you previously considered important or enjoyable wanes. You may feel worthless or helpless, which can lead to thoughts of suicide. Depression also affects your body, causing aches, pains, fatigue, difficulty with concentration and sleep problems. There is no one cause of depression. A combination of your environment, biology and genetics can be involved in your development of this illness.
Obesity & Depression Risk
Being obese increases your risk of developing depression. Having a poor body image affects how you perceive yourself, leading to feelings of being unworthy or guilty. A March 2010 study on obesity and depression published in the journal "Archives of General Psychiatry" found that being obese increased the onset of depressive disorder. Being obese can also keep you in a continual state of stress, which, over time, can lead to more severe psychological complications including depression, according to Dr. Evan Atlantis from the University of Adelaide in a 2009 "British Medical Journal" editorial.
Effect of Depression
Suffering from depression can also increase your chances of becoming obese. Emotional eating as a method of coping can lead to weight gain. Certain brain chemicals that play a role in mood can also be a factor in having depression. One such chemical, called serotonin, is also associated with pain control. Having abnormal levels of this neurotransmitter may increase your cravings for high-carbohydrate foods. In addition, you're less likely to keep physically active when you are depressed, which also contributes to weight gain.
Effective Strategies
Depression and obesity can not be eliminated quickly. It's important to talk with a doctor, counselor or other mental health professional if you are dealing with depression. Therapy, and possibly medication, can be part of a treatment plan to manage your depressive disorder. Make an effort to fit in some exercise, although it may be difficult at first. Regular physical activity helps reduce depression symptoms as well as weight. In turn, losing weight if you are obese will give you more energy and can improve your mood.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America
- National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
- "Archives of General Psychiatry"; Overweight, Obesity and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies; FS Luppino, et al; March 2010
- University of Adelaide: Strong Link Between Obesity and Depression
- "Obesity Research"; Brain Serotonin, Carbohydrate-Craving, Obesity and Depression; RJ Wurtman and JJ Wurtman; Nov. 1997
- MayoClinic.com: Depression (Major Depression)
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