Obesity and Depression Research Note
By Reader's Digest Editors
A brief digest about this topic
It cuts both ways: Researchers say that if you’re obese, your risk for depression increases by 55%. And if you have depression, your odds for becoming obese rise 58%. One link between low moods and extra body weight may be stress. Your body pumps out extra stress hormones like cortisol when you’re depressed, which may trigger overeating and cravings for high-fat, high-calorie comfort foods. Obese people face daily discrimination and weight-related stigma, which also boosts stress levels—and high levels of chronic stress can trigger depression. Both conditions are also associated with low levels of physical activity; and a lack of exercise and everyday activity can make both worse.
Fast Facts:- You may be depressed if for the past two weeks you’ve felt hopeless, down, or taken little pleasure in doing things that normally interest you. Seek help.
- Walk away from double trouble. Exercise can help you shed pounds and is a powerful antidote for depression, too. Aim for a half-hour most days.
- If you’re working with your doctor to lift your depression, be patient. You may have to try several antidepressants or add cognitive therapy to get results.
- Learn and practice a stress-reduction technique daily. In one study, workplace stress raised obesity risk. In another, stress relief helped with weight loss.
- Tuck yourself in earlier tonight. Turn off the computer and TV. Skimping on sleep raises risk for depression and overweight.
Link between Depression, Obesity Confirmed | Psych Central News
psychcentral.com — “A new study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) confirms the relationship between depression and abdominal obesity, which has been linked to an” View full resource at psychcentral.com
Which comes first: Obesity or depression? | Booster Shots | Los Angeles Times
latimesblogs.latimes.com — “Obesity and depression are often linked, but it's not clear whether one condition tends to precede the other. One new study suggests depression may help cause obesity, but obesity doesn't necessarily cause depression. Researchers at the University of Alabama, Birmingham,...” View full resource at latimesblogs.latimes.com
The Obesity-Depression Link | Psychology Today
psychologytoday.com — “The Obesity-Depression Link | Psychology Today” View full resource at psychologytoday.com
Obesity - Obesity and Depression in US Women: Results From the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey
nature.com — “Formerly known as Obesity Research, Obesity is the official journal of The Obesity Society. Available in print and online, Obesity is dedicated to increasing knowledge, fostering research, and promoting better treatment for people with obesity and their loved ones. Obesity publishes important peer-reviewed research and cutting-edge reviews, commentaries, public health and medical developments.” View full resource at nature.com
Strong Link Between Obesity And Depression
medicalnewstoday.com — “Doctors should pay more attention to the link between common mental illness and obesity in patients because the two health problems are closely linked, according to researchers at the University o” View full resource at medicalnewstoday.com
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