Is Obesity Related To Depression? Things To Know!
Have you heard of people or experienced weight gain while being depressed? There are millions of people out there who have been diagnosed with depression and many more with obesity. Although the two seem different and are oftentimes treated differently, there are instances where people have the combination of both.
How Does Obesity Affect Depression?
Having both is worse than having either alone. Several studies have shown that obese people are more likely to experience depression as well as the other adverse effects associated with being overweight.
Additionally, a few studies are showing how depression negatively affects weight. It is possible there is no connection between the two, and their connections aren’t even guaranteed. However, obesity and depression are related in a few different ways:
Stress: An individual’s health can be greatly affected by stress. While stress is a known factor for depression, it is also a factor that leads to a few healthy habits. The emotional negative effects of stress can lead to habits like overeating, not exercising, etc. Depression can develop within a short period or throughout a lifetime as a result of such habits. Stress can also lead to a few other side effects like back pain, hypertension, etc. In a way, it can be said that stress is one of the leading causes of depression.
The Cycle: Obesity and depression form a vicious cycle that contributes to taking the other one up a notch. While there are not many studies on the topic, many researchers and experts have found that stress can lead to depression, and the latter can lead to the former in more ways than one. This forms the cycle that might be hard to get out of without the help of a professional.
Treatments Can Also Be Causes: Surely, depression for some calls for medications prescribed by their doctors. These may only seem to be just for curing or helping with depression, but many have proven to have side effects leading to weight gain. This may also go the other way around where a solution for weight management may lead to emotional turmoil. This is also witnessed or experienced by many. People tend to go through a lot of emotional ups and downs while trying to manage their weight. Hence, such people may also be prone to depression.
Stay Vigilant: If you are undergoing treatment for either depression or obesity, preventative measures are always something you should think about. The best way to prevent the occurrence of either of the two is to take a few steps to prevent the proneness of the other while treating or even experiencing either. Listed below are a few tips:
- Exercise. Staying active is the solution to most health problems, physical or mental. It can release a few of the hormones in the body that can boost the mood and help with depression. Of course, there are a visible number of positive effects on the physique too.
- Talk. A little bit of talk can go a long way. This is especially true when experiencing depression or on the verge of it. You should find a confidant among your friends, family members, or acquaintances. If you need expert help, a therapist can provide you with the most help.
- Let The Treatment Work. In case you get diagnosed with either depression or obesity, then the first thing to do is straight up go for a treatment plan. Let it work for the specified time. If it does not work, or you find it a hassle, then go for an expert opinion.
Conclusion
In and of themselves, depression and obesity may present problems. But when both conditions are present together, these can be hazardous to mental and physical well-being. Treatments exist for the problems, and all you need to do is get out and seek them.
Finding the solution to the vicious cycle of obesity and depression might be a difficult task for every person. However, there are solutions available. In the meantime, be sure to prioritize your own needs. Keep hydrated, exercise regularly, eat healthily, and get enough sleep to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Providing oneself with regular self-care may have a considerable impact on one’s health and long-term well-being.
