Obesity and depression feed off each other
Depression and weight problems often go hand in hand - it`s a vicious
cycle you need to know about! A study of 58,745 patients` data revealed
that people with obesity had a 55 percent increased risk of developing
depression over time, and the depressed persons had a 58 percent
increased risk of obesity. Forty-three percent of adults with depression
already have obesity and women numbering more in this group than men,
as found by a national survey.
The suicide ideation in women with a waist circumference of over 105cm
is three times more than the women with that below 82.5cm. The mental
state, when obesity joins the party, is weakened by two real and
debilitating attacks that run parallelly. One attack is physiological -
inside the body. Obesity causes joint pain, diabetes, blood pressure
etc., which are also the risk factors for depression. Additionally,
excessive body fat causes chronic inflammation in the brain that leads
to mood and psychiatric disorders.
The other is from outside - the social stigma - how society treats
people with obesity. 18.7% to 38% of people with obesity reported
experiencing obesity stigma from their educators, employers, health
professionals, the media, friends, and family in a WHO (World Health
Organization) study. Obesity stigma is associated with increased
depression, anxiety and decreased self-esteem. It can also lead to
disordered eating, avoidance of physical activity, and avoidance of
medical care.Will Weight Loss Improve The Mood Or Improving The Mood
Help Weight-Loss? It`s not an `either-or` question say some experts. For
example, dieting alone may worsen mood, particularly when it causes a
pattern of repeated dieting failure. Conversely, the most common
pharmacological treatments for depression have the side effect of weight
gain . However, obesity seems to resist physical exercises more than
depression. A study found that healthy-weight persons walked per day an
average of 11,586 steps, non-depressed obesity patients did 7283 steps,
and the depressed obesity patients, 6177 steps .
Hence the expert advice is to jointly address obesity and depression. If
you are on medications for depressions, don`t skip your tablets in
pursuit of weight-loss.The next step would be to understand obesity
well.What exactly is obesity? Obesity is not just a cosmetic condition
as popularly perceived. It`s a complex, progressive and multifactorial
disease that needs expert medical help to treat, just like clinical
depression does. Obesity is measured by BMI (Body Mass Index), which is a
measure of your weight in relation to your height.World Health
Organization (WHO) considers a BMI more than 30 as Class 1 obesity. BMI
above 35 is Class II- serious obesity and BMI above 40 is class III-
severe obesity.
The Indian figures are 2.5 lower than these options For Lasting Obesity
Solutions For Patients With Low SpiritsMost patients with obesity who
have tried diet and exercise, have had some initial success, only to
regain the weight. This is not due to their lack of willpower or the
wrong diet. There is documented observation that even for a
non-depressed obesity patient with a BMI greater than 35, the chances of
reaching a normal body weight for a lasting period of time with diet
and exercise alone is less than 1 percent.
Minimally invasive bariatric weight-loss surgery might be an option if
your BMI is above 32.5 with depression or any other obesity-related
co-morbidity; or if your BMI is more than 37.5 without any
obesity-related co-morbidity . A study of 11,687 bariatric surgery
patients with at least one psychiatric disorder found that a) their
excess weight-loss was similar to those with no known mental health
disorders, b) Quality of life improvement by 28 percent to 32 per cent
was as same, and c) among patients with depression, use of
anti-depressant medication dropped by about 20 percent one year after
surgery and remained at that level after three years of follow-up
.Now-a-days due to COVID-19, many Bariatric Surgeons offer online
consultations. One could book an appointment at a center of one`s
choice, and discuss the obesity issues with the expert doctor from the
convenience of one`s home.
Obesity can be treated with lasting results in patients with depression.
My personal feelings- it isn't necessary to go in for any surgery. First, see if your thyroid functions normally, if you've POCD problems. Take care of those first. Then starving doesn't help. Never skip breakfast, eat sensibly.Eat more fruits, boiled veges, boiled chickpeas / red. white beans. It is full of protein and fiber. Salad though most say have it, it doesn't suit many people, as it depends on your digestive system. Eat little less, start your day with a glass of warm water with 2 teaspoon of honey and lime juice. I found this helps to curb your appetite. Walk at your own speed, keep moving. Above all sleep well, loss of sleep also makes one obese !