Experts have long been aware of a strong mind-body connection between people's emotional state and physical health. Research has found that happy people tend to be more active and burn more calories than their depressed counterparts. There is also extensive research that suggests depression can contribute to obesity. Many people eat more unhealthy foods when confronted with anxiety or depression.
The Happiness Institute
Professor Timothy Sharp from The Happiness Institute believes that happy people can lose more weight. He points out the growing scientific literature also supports his belief. Positive emotions can help your body be in a slightly alkaline state, which aids in weight loss. Positivity, according to Dr. Sharp, can reprogram the automatic negative food messages that your brain gives your body. Positive thinking does more than aid in weight loss. It can also minimize chronic diseases and improve the function of your autoimmune system.
Happiness and Weight Loss
Happiness can aid weight loss more significantly than dieting, according to hypnotherapist Dr. Joe Vitale, author of "The Attractor Factor and Life's Missing Instruction Manual." Vitale believes that a happy state is the key to losing weight. "The truth is happy people tend to take more actions in the direction of their goals," Vitale maintains. He states that weight gain is part of a vicious cycle and people must improve their emotional state to lose weight.
Obesity and Depression
There is a strong correlation between obesity and depression that has been well-documented in numerous studies. According to a study published in the March 2008 issue of the journal "Clinical Psychology," people suffering from depression have changes in their hormones that could contribute to obesity. Their symptoms also make it more difficult to exercise and eat right. A study conducted in 2002 at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that adolescents in the Cincinnati area with depression symptoms were more likely to become obese in the next year.
Stress and Unhealthy Eating
Stressed out children and adults will eat more unhealthy foods, according to research. The journal "Health Psychology" published a study in August 2003 that investigated the eating habits of 11-year-olds. Stressed out kids eat more unhealthy food than their less-stressed out peers. "Children in the most stressed category ate more fatty foods and more snacks, but they were also less likely to consume the recommended five or more fruits and vegetables or eat a daily breakfast," says Jane Wardle, director of Cancer Research UK's Health Behaviour Unit, who led the study. Similar results have been found in studies with adults.
References
- "The Washington Times"; The Happiness Diet: The Key to Weight Loss?; Adam Helfer; January 2011
- NDRI: Happiness Is The Key to Physical Fitness and Weight Loss, Burns More Calories Than Sadness
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Depression in Teenagers Increases Risk of Obesity; September 2002
- ScienceDaily; Obesity and Depression May Be Linked; June 2008
- ScienceDaily; Stress Leads Kids to Unhealthy Diets; August 2003
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