What is the link between obesity and depression?
What is the link between obesity and depression?
Obesity and depression go hand-in-hand and is more prevalent in adolescence. In fact, adolescence is a time when a lot of people experience a change in their dietary patterns and lifestyle. Studies suggest that during adolescence there is an increased vulnerability towards developing both obesity and depression. In fact, there are many studies that indicate that obesity and depression can be a trigger for each other.
Adolescents, who are depressed, may change their appetite and dietary patterns resulting in weight gain or loss and are more inclined to favour carbohydrate-rich foods which provide pleasure or comfort, increase sedentary activity make them vulnerable to disordered sleeping, binge eating et al. These factors may lead to an increased risk of obesity. On the other hand, adolescents who are obese may experience stigmatization, suffer from poor body image and low self-esteem increasing their vulnerability to depression.
A 2010, study proposed that since obesity and depression are interlinked, it is important to acquire insights to both the conditions, (even if a person shows the tendency to have either of them) for better treatment and prevention purposes. The study concluded that obesity increased the risk of depression and depression, in turn, was predictive to developing obesity.
