Depression and anxiety can lead to emotional eating (using food for comfort with stress), low energy levels and reduced physical activity, disrupted sleep that can lead to overeating, and weight gain from medication use. Obesity can also exacerbate mental heath issues based on stigma and physical limitations that lead to loneliness and coping challenges, creating a cycle. In fact, those who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing mental health issues.
Treatment can involve addressing both behavioral changes with diet and exercise and the depression and anxiety. Diet and exercise can serve as protective factors to depression and anxiety by elevating mood. Such factors as inflammation, coping mechanisms, neurotransmitter levels, and poverty can influence both obesity and mental health.
Deb Falzoi
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