Many women who are contending with the dual problems of depression and being overweight, may find that the way out lies in a single solution. Researchers have found that tackling depression and elevating the mood may be the key to weight loss as well.

treating depressionThe study published in General Hospital Psychiatry, refers to past surveys that found a person being obese (having an MI of 30 or more) could increase a person’s risk of developing depression by 50 to 150%.

According to Gregory Simon, M.D. of Group Health Research Institute in Seattle, this link between depression and obesity works both ways – increased physical activity lessens symptoms of depression and this lessening of depression symptoms actually leads to an increase in physical activity.

According to Babak Roshanaei-Moghaddam, M.D. of the psychiatry and behavioral sciences department at the University of Washington in Seattle, most weight loss programs do not pay enough attention to this factor of mental health, and there may not be adequate screening and treatment for depression.

This study focuses attention on the fact that physical and psychological wellbeing are interconnected and both ought to be treated together; rather than treating only one or the other.

4 COMMENTS

  1. I agree in your article..I easily loss weight if I feelin’ depressed. But it’s hard for me to gain weight..nice post!

  2. This post hold a lot of truth to it. Unfortunately many women battle depression and weight loss. I have recently done some research and would like to offer up an idea that may help out with both problems. Meditation. Meditation is a calming exercise that brings you a piece of mind and allows one to take a break form the day-to-day stress of life. There are also many different forms of meditation used for certain problems, on of which helps with weight loss!
    – Hope this helps!

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