Obesity and Depression

It probably isn’t news to any of us who are obese, but researchers at the University of Adelaide have confirmed that doctors need to pay more attention to the link between common mental illness such as depression and obesity in patients because the two health problems are closely related.

In an editorial published today in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the Adelaide researchers also indicate that there is a two-way risk between obesity and depression or other common mental disorders. In other words, it becomes a vicious cycle. We become depressed, therefore, we eat more, which causes us to gain weight, which depresses us and on goes the cycle.

“A better understanding of the mechanisms for the apparent bi-directional risk between obesity and common mental disorders is needed for effective treatment and prevention,” says the lead author of the editorial, Dr Evan Atlantis from the University of Adelaide’s School of Medicine. (See the original article here)

“Although the topic is largely unexplored, several psychosocial, lifestyle and physiological factors may be involved in the complex inter-relationship between obesity and mental illness,” he says.

Often people who have become obese – especially if they perceive themselves as being overweight – experience weight-related shame and prejudice, and as a result have symptoms of low self esteem, low self worth, and guilt. Obesity is associated with socio-economic disadvantage and low levels of physical activity, both of which are strong predictors of depression.

Obesity often causes a person’s body to experience a state of chronic stress, which can result in significant physical problems. Continuation of physical ailments over a period of time causes many people to experience depressed mood and associated symptoms.
Dr Atlantis says reduced physical activity and overeating – “particularly comfort foods rich in fats and sugars to improve mood” – are common among depressed and anxious patients.
Dr Atlantis also stated that depression can cause; “activation of neuro receptors, which increases appetite and may simultaneously alleviate depression, is likely to reinforce this eating behaviour. Socioeconomic disadvantage may further aggravate the over-consumption of comfort foods because of their low cost.”

Dr Atlantis says patients who show signs and symptoms to their doctor of common mental disorder should be assessed for obesity and related chronic diseases, and vice versa.
Much more in-depth research must be completed before a overall solution strategy can be identified and implemented for patients. Until then Dr Atlantis suggests that medical practitioners and patients need to focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Until further research on how best to deliver lifestyle interventions is available, he suggests that Governments should focus on action related to taxes, tariffs, and trade laws to encourage the supply and consumption of healthy food and physical activity choices.

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