Obesity is a worldwide public health crisis that affects millions of people around the globe. It is connected with many physical health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. Nevertheless, Obesity’s effects go far beyond mere bodily problems and affect mental health greatly. In this article, the relationship between obesity and mental health will be explored and how they influence each other. The suggestions for anticipation and treatment will also be discussed.
Read More: Get to know Why Obesity Is becoming a Global Concern
The Link Between Obesity And Mental Health
1. Psychological Impact of Obesity
It often leads to negative psychological outcomes due to societal stigma and discrimination. Overweight and stout people as often as possible confront bullying, social avoidance, and negative generalizations which may result in:
- Depression: Chronic stress together with low self-esteem linked to it may contribute towards depressive symptoms.
- Anxiety: Obese people may find social situations threatening because they are afraid of being put down or judged by others.
- Low self-esteem: Negative body image coupled with adverse societal judgment can erode an individual’s sense of his or her worth.
2. Biological Mechanisms
The bond between obesity and mental health is not entirely psychological. The biological elements are also of great importance. Among these are:
- Inflammation: Low-grade inflammation associated with it, has been shown to cause depression.
- Hormonal Imbalances: It can disrupt hormonal balance as regards leptin and insulin which are involved in mood regulation.
- Neurotransmitter Changes: Fat overconsumption affects systems of neurotransmission such as serotonin, dopamine necessary for controlling a mood.
3. Behavioral and Lifestyle Factors
Obesity and mental health disorders often share common behavioural and lifestyle risk factors:
- Physical Inactivity: The absence of physical exercise is the case for both obesity and mental health disorders.
- Poor Diet: High calorie-low nutrient intake contributes to it, which can also affect mental health negatively.
- Sleep Disturbances: Sleep apnea from obesity or poor sleep which may worsen problems related to mental health disorders.
According to Psychologist Dr Deepthi Balla, “Obese”, this indicator, on the weighing scale, makes one feel low. Immediately. It generates a self-image of ugly appearance, apparel needs to be altered and how would your close people rate you. Stigmatization often seemed to ostracize people in society damaging the psychosocial well-being of the obese. Little children and adolescents get bullied by their peers and develop low self-esteem, anxiety disorders and depression.
Among girls, bullying due to obesity leads to behavioural problems. In adults, mental health problems like Stress, and childhood trauma are the precursors of obesity moderated by excessive eating and smoking habits. A qualitative study showed that females develop obesity as a shield against abusers. Albeit, monitoring one’s mental well-being, and taking proactive actions like exercising, will curb the pathway of maladaptive behaviours to obesity.
Emotional Eating
According to a counselling psychologist, Swati Ghoshal, “Discouragement or uneasiness can make individuals eat candidly in order not to feel lonely and sad. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology by Dr. Susan J. Carnell and colleagues examined the relationship between emotional eating and mental health disorders. The study involved 500 participants who were assessed for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating behaviours.“
- High Prevalence of Emotional Eating: The study found that individuals with higher levels of depression and anxiety were significantly more likely to engage in emotional eating compared to those with lower levels of these mental health symptoms.
- Impact on Weight: Participants who reported frequent emotional eating had a higher body mass index (BMI) on average. This suggests that emotional eating contributes to weight gain and increases the risk of obesity.
- Coping Mechanisms: The research highlighted that emotional eating often served as a maladaptive coping mechanism. Instead of addressing the underlying emotional distress, individuals use food to temporarily alleviate negative emotions, which can perpetuate mental health issues.
Stigma and Self-esteem
Mental illnesses might decrease an individual’s desire to exercise physically; hence they become inactive leading to it. Obese individuals frequently face societal stigma and discrimination, leading to feelings of isolation, shame, and worthlessness, which can exacerbate mental health disorders. In today’s corporate world, diversity and inclusion are often heralded as essential pillars of a thriving workplace. However, weight bias remains a largely overlooked issue, despite its significant impact on employee well-being and organisational culture.
Obese individuals frequently face societal stigma and discrimination, leading to feelings of isolation, shame, and worthlessness, which can exacerbate mental health disorders. A study published in the Journal of Obesity investigated the prevalence and impact of weight bias in corporate settings.
The research, conducted by Dr. Rebecca Puhl, (Deputy Director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at the University of Connecticut) and colleagues, surveyed over 1,000 employees across various industries. The findings revealed that overweight and obese employees experienced higher levels of discrimination and negative stereotyping, affecting their job satisfaction, mental health, and career advancement opportunities.
Medication Side Effects: There are medications used when treating psychiatric conditions such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, which have a side effect of increased weight.
Read More: A recent study shows a positive association between obesity and type 1 diabetes
Integrated Treatment Approaches
The bidirectional nature of the relationship between obesity and mental illness necessitates integrated intervention strategies:
- Holistic Care: Healthcare providers should pay attention to both physical and mental well-being while handling cases related to obese patients.
- Behavioural Interventions: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is essential in dealing with emotional eating as well as enhancing self-image.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Healthy eating habits, regular exercises, and sufficient sleep are vital for weight control as well as psychological wellness.
- Medication Management: Monitoring and managing side effects associated with psychiatric drugs can help minimize weight gain.
The complex interplay of obesity and mental health encompasses psychological, biological, and behavioural determinants. A comprehensive approach to treatment must include physical and mental health considerations. This includes behaviour therapy, lifestyle changes and responsible medication use. Public health campaigns are important in reducing stigma as well as fostering supportive policies.
Further exploration into the biological connections between obesity and mental disorders may give rise to improved therapies. Policy interventions as well as community support are vital for creating an environment that facilitates healthy living habits. A coherent comprehension of these intertwined conditions can greatly enhance individual welfare alongside public well-being in general terms.
References +
- Obesity: Overview and more. (2023, July 6). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/obesity-overview-4581920
- PsyD, E. G. (2023, January 23). Obesity and Mental health: The link between anxiety and weight. GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/obesity-and-mental-health
- The National Council on Aging. (n.d.). https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-excess-weight-impacts-our-mental-and-emotion%20al-health
