Obesity and Depression- Can You Have One Without the Other?

Here’s a statistic that makes me want to cry – it is estimated that as many as 72 million American adults are obese and about 24 million are morbidly obese. (References:  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.) The physical consequences are frightening. We know that there is a significant increase in premature death, Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

We also know that psychological consequences are distressing. Among the concerns are: low self-esteem, impaired social relationships, poor body image, decreased quality of life, anxiety and depression.  Research tells us that depression is present in obese woman and in severely obese teens. What is isn’t able to tell us yet is – is the depression the result of the obesity or is the obesity the result of the depression?

If you follow my work you know that I believe that emotional overeating contributes to excess weight. While genetics, environment and lifestyle are most certainly factors, addressing the emotional components of one’s life can positively affect one’s eating and therefore one’s weight.

This may be a chicken and the egg discussion but one thing I know for sure is if you deal with your depression in a constructive, productive way and don’t turn to food to cope with it, your chances of managing your weight and your health are greatly improved.

Until next time,

Dr. Sheila

[Reference: The Psychological Skinny on Obesity by Michael G. Wetter, PsyD. in the Los Angeles Psychologist (September -October 2013)]