According to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey results, 42.5% of the U.S. suffers from obesity. It states that adults with depression get more chances to have obesity. Depression and obesity can be linked together. Here’s what you should know. Let’s find out.
What is Obesity?
Obesity occurs when people have a high amount of stored body fat which is above the normal limits. It is common due to the growth of processed foods and consuming high-calorie foods causes it. This leads to health issues such as heart disease, diabetes which cause difficulty for individuals to engage in daily activities.
How is Obesity Connected to Depression?
Obesity leads to a sedentary and lethargic lifestyle and difficulty to perform even simple tasks and manage their responsibilities. This inactivity can result in a lack of physical activity causing health issues. As people isolate themselves from social interactions, they experience anxiety and depression. Research shows a relation between obesity and depression i.e one can exacerbate the other.
How Does Depression Make You Feel Lazy?
Depression affects mental health, making physical activity challenging to maintain their jobs or engage in daily activities. This inactivity creates a vicious cycle, where the lack of movement and overeating contributes to obesity and worsens depression.
What Mechanisms Connect Obesity to Depression?
Obesity is a major contributor to depression and people who feel sad or lethargic, choose to stay home. It decreases their brain’s neurotransmitters for happiness with loss of motivation and suicidal thoughts. Studies indicate that those who are obese are likely to experience depression.
How to Treat Obesity to Prevent Depression
There are several strategies to combat obesity to alleviate depression:
- Cutting Calories Slowly: Begin by calculating your basal metabolic rate, gradually reduce daily calorie intake by 500 to 1000 calories.
- Exercising Regularly: Regular physical activity is crucial for weight loss which releases endorphins, which are chemicals that improve mood. You lose weight through exercise, you may also notice a decrease in depression.
- Eating Nutritious Meals: A balanced diet rich in proteins, vegetables facilitate weight loss and keep you full longer.
- Incorporating Yogurt into Your Diet: Yogurt is beneficial for both gut health. The good bacteria found in yogurt increase serotonin levels, associated with happiness. A healthy gut can lead to improved mood.
Can We Become Obese Due to Depression?
Depression and obesity are linked; as one increases, the other follows. Individuals experiencing depression may turn to food leading to overeating and weight gain. This cycle underscores the importance of addressing physical health in treatment plans.
Can Depression and Obesity Increase Your Risk for Other Conditions?
Obesity and depression are risk factors for other conditions, which includes:
- chronic pain
- sleep problems
- hypertension
- diabetes
Following a treatment plan can help you prevent depression, you restore energy for activities. That can encourage you to stay active with regular physical activity and improves your overall health. Your individual care plan will depend on where you are in your health journey. It may become comprehensive over time, or your doctor may decide to incorporate one big change.
Takeaway
Getting a diagnosis and treatment is overwhelming, you don’t have to go through it, you are not alone. Your doctor is your best resource, he can work with you to find the best treatments, help you create a healthier lifestyle. Your health physician helps you accountable for the changes although it takes time, but change and relief are possible.