One of the reasons that leads to increasing obesity today is depression... Depression slows down the body's metabolism and invites obesity. Research shows that people with depression are more likely to stimulate the reward center in the brain with food. This is why people with depression are more prone to obesity. Psychiatrist Dr. Hakan Karaş gave information about the causes of depression and obesity and treatment options.
- More than Half of Obese People Are Depressed!
It is known that more than half of obese people suffer from various degrees of depression, from mild to severe. Obese individuals perceive their body images more negatively, with the influence of popular culture's promotion of ideal body size. They also begin to live in isolation because they are exposed to social stigma and discrimination. As a result of all these, their self-esteem becomes lower and this creates a tendency for the person to become depressed. In addition, joint diseases, mobility difficulties, diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases caused by obesity can also lead to the development of depression.
- Depression Slows Down the Body's Metabolism
- People with Low Physical Activity are at Risk
- Increased Eating Desire to Cope with Stress May Become a Habit
- The First Step in the Treatment Phase is Getting Rid of Depression
Low energy, fatigue and appetite changes are some of the main symptoms of depression. Loss of appetite is observed in some people with depression. Many find themselves eating much more than usual. Depression also slows down the body's metabolism. Since the depressed person has decreased interest in all kinds of activities and also misses out on eating, an ideal combination emerges in terms of weight gain. In addition, the depressed person is indecisive and the person's willpower is relatively weakened. This pushes the person to unhealthy diet. Especially in untreated depression, people develop obesity when inactivity and overeating continue for a long time.
One reason why depression and obesity occur together is that some conditions cause both diseases. For example, those with low socioeconomic status are more at risk for these two diseases. Low physical activity leads to both depression and obesity. In addition, some diseases such as hypothyroidism cause depression and weight gain.
Emotional eating syndrome is more common in stressed people. Therefore, it is quite common for people with depression to try to cope with stress by eating. Food is not only a satisfying source of nutrition for humans, but also a means of relieving distress. Foods, especially carbohydrate-rich foods, have both a pleasurable and calming effect on the reward system in the brain. This method is preferred by almost everyone from time to time. But when using this method becomes a habit, obesity becomes inevitable. Research has shown that people with depression are more likely to stimulate the reward center in the brain with food. That's why people with depression are more prone to obesity.
Avoiding the depression-obesity-overeating cycle. To get rid of it, depression must first be treated clinically. Medical causes, especially thyroid disorders, that cause both depression and increased appetite should be investigated. Emotional eating is a habit acquired within the family in the early stages of life. The content of the diet, size and number of meals are the most important components of eating habits. After depression is treated, the person needs to change his eating habits in cooperation with his family. Increasing awareness of emotional needs contributes positively to eating patterns. In addition, increasing physical activity and including it in the daily routine regulates serotonin levels and has stimulating effects on the reward center in the brain.
In this way, the person feels less need to stimulate the reward center through eating. Including more food types in one's diet and reducing the carbohydrate content also reduces the habit of using carbohydrates as a reward. Along with all these, enriching one's sources of pleasure and reward other than eating with other social and physical activities, It makes one need less food.
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