Obesity And Mental Health Are Connected

Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. It can not only impact one’s physical well-being but even mental well-being too. Obesity will invite mental health issues along with heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and liver problems, and sleep apnea. Likewise, having any mental health condition may also influence the person’s weight. Both obesity and mental health problems go hand in hand. It is important to follow healthy lifestyle practices to manage weight and mental health issues.

There is a long-term association between obesity and mental health issues. The most probable contributing factors to obesity are genetic, psychological, environmental, social, and cultural influences. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It is a medical problem that increases one’s risk of other diseases and health problems too. Excessive pounds (obesity, being overweight) do more than increase one’s weight, and they increase your risk of major health problems. Almost 70-80% of obese patients have mental health issues.
“Obesity is also linked to stress, poor self-esteem, and depression. Many have become introverts, they stay at home, and their productivity has also decreased,”

Here we decode the connection between obesity and mental health.

Obesity leads to emotional distress. Being overweight can cause negative feelings about one’s self. There is evidence that obesity is related to mental disorders and many of the medications used to treat psychiatric illnesses. Stress is a factor in both depression and obesity. Chronic stress and anxiety, for example, can lead to depression. Likewise, stress, depression, or bipolar disorder can make someone more likely to turn to food as a coping mechanism that can lead to weight gain and eventually obesity. Obesity increases pain and inflammation in the body which causes stress.
Being obese can lead to social isolation, poor self-esteem, loneliness, and frustration. One who is obese will be ridiculed for his/her weight. Moreover, body shaming due to being overweight can also take a toll on one’s mental well-being. One will be conscious of his/her body image and will feel helpless. This can also cause depression in such people. People who are obese tend to experience anxiety over being judged for how they look and aren’t satisfied with their appearance.

If one is overweight, he/she may feel frustrated, angry, or upset. Being aware of difficult emotions is the first step in dealing with them. It takes practice to recognise emotions. Sometimes they can be so sudden and powerful that it’s hard to sort out exactly what you’re feeling.

Numerous studies have demonstrated a positive association between obesity and various mental health issues, including depression, eating disorders, anxiety, and substance abuse. Obesity impacts individuals’ quality of life, with many sufferers experiencing increased stigma and discrimination because of their weight.

For someone who is overweight or obese, mental health challenges can pose a hurdle in adopting healthy lifestyle practices. Mental illness is the biggest indication for bariatric surgery. The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve or prevent the health problems associated with obesity. If the patient is at a lesser BMI stage, then counselling along with dietary changes, good night’s sleep, increased physical activity, and behaviour changes can help in weight loss. But, if the BMI is more than 30, and there are mental effects of obesity then bariatric surgery with counselling has given outstanding results in patients who have now gone ahead and shown how productive they can be to the world, economy, and themselves. Staying stress-free by doing yoga and meditation can also be helpful.

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