Ways That Obesity Affects You Mentally

The adverse health risks associated with obesity are well known. Obesity contributes to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and a shorter life span. Aside from physical complications, however, obese individuals often suffer from mental health concerns. The psychological aspect of the problem may be debilitating and inhibit your ability to change.

Prevalence of Obesity

Since 1990, obesity rates have risen dramatically in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 33 percent of U.S. adults and 17 percent of U.S. children are obese, as of publication. Obesity is defined as a body mass index, BMI, of 30 or higher while overweight is classified as a BMI of 25 to 30. If your body mass index is above 25, you are at an increased risk for certain cancers, sleep apnea, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease among other physical problems. Obesity, however, can also affect you mentally.

Depression

There is a strong correlation between obesity and depression; however, researchers are uncertain if obesity causes depression or depression causes obesity. Obese individuals are dissatisfied with their health and appearance, which leads them to become depressed. This is more prevalent in women than in men. By contrast, if you are depressed, you may turn to food as a source of comfort, leading to excess calorie consumption and obesity. Additionally, you will have less motivation to take care of yourself, making it difficult to adhere to a fitness routine. There are also changes in hormones and the immune system that accompany depression and contribute to obesity.

Body Image

Obesity may lead to body image dissatisfaction. This is not true for all obese individuals and is seen more in those who choose to seek weight-loss treatment. If you are unhappy with your body, then you are at an increased risk for depression and low self-esteem. A study by K.E. Friedman in 2002 demonstrated that the heavier an individual was, the more likely he was to be dissatisfied with his appearance and experience psychological distress.

Insecurity

Obese people may feel insecure and inferior to others. This creates a hesitation to attend social situations. If you avoid social situations, you will have fewer friends, eventually leading to decreased socializing opportunities. To confound the problem, obese individuals may have fewer opportunities to date others and enter a romantic relationship. Women especially are at risk due to the societal standard that all women should be ultra thin. This insecurity will confound feelings of depression and negative body image.