Depression Due To Obesity
Depression Due To Obesity. Does Being Overweight Cause Depression? The Obesity and Depression Link. And when does childhood obesity and depression start? These questions are the subject of ongoing research, and have been for years, but what of the reverse link? Is it possible that depression plays a part in creating obesity? If so, is there a different approach to treating both disorders, that we have overlooked?
The stereotype image of the ever-laughing “fat lady”, with rosy cheeks, never really stood up to much scrutiny. Over the years, at the Elite Clinic, we have met many overweight women who tell us that they are happy with their size and shape, and some are, but many are maybe not.
Does Being Overweight Cause Depression
Does depression cause obesity, or does obesity cause depression? And anyway, does it really matter? Well actually, for someone who has been battling to lose weight for any period of time, it probably matters a lot! Could it be possible that tackling depression could go someway to solving the obesity pandemic? Have we been missing a trick in the weight loss maze….How much more successful are dieting regimes, if the person is in a positive mindset.
40% of Overweight People are Depressed.
Brief research by Martin and Marion Shirran, at the Elite Clinic, seems to indicate a connection between the positive outlook, the lighter mood of a person, and their likelihood of successful weight loss. It was recently published in the Daily Telegraph that over 40% of overweight people in the UK, (US figures are similar) are depressed, and many put their depression down to them being obese. But, maybe researchers were asking the wrong question. What if their obesity was in fact down to them being depressed? Depression due to obesity…
Depression Due To Obesity
Defining depression has always been a puzzle.
“Defining depression has always been a puzzle, even for the medical profession. It is, of course, easy to identify a person who is obese; it’s visible for all to see. But what about the depressed person? Many people are depressed, but don’t know it. Others may seem depressed to friends, but really aren’t. It seems that we all have stereotypes of what depression is, but they aren’t always accurate in reality.” So, writes clinical health psychologist, David Engstrom, PhD, in his paper on Obesity and Depression.
Depression Due To Obesity
Does the Obesity – Depression Link Exist
Current research leads us to assume that overweight individuals have an elevated risk of suffering from depression. However, whilst the connection between the two conditions is accepted, what is not acknowledged, is what comes first, and why the connection even exists. In fact, the whole ‘Obesity – Depression’ issue raises a number of interesting questions. Consequently, many people, striving to lose weight, ask if overcoming their depression will result in weight loss. Well, Martin and Marion are sure it will help…
Does Being Overweight Cause Depression – Link
In reverse, research with patients who have lost weight, for example following bariatric surgery, indicates that when the overweight depressed person starts to lose weight, their mood lightens. Sometimes the depression just evaporates. Several recent studies have found significant improvements in depression, following major weight loss. Take a look at our blog post all about How To Cruise and Not Gain Weight.
Does Being Overweight Cause Depression
Life Changes Following Weight Loss
Martin and Marion have observed many clients, who have lost enormous amounts of weight, and then go on to develop a complete change in their persona. All of a sudden they want to experience different things, and their energy level is through the roof. The depression, or low mood, has evaporated.
They report observing a number of marriages/relationships that have dissolved, because one of the partners has discovered a whole new life, following their weight loss. As a result, they want different things: they want to dance, they want to party, they really want to travel. Boring Sue and John have left the room, and they’ve been replaced by mad, party animals now!
Diagnosing a Depressed or Overweight Person.
So, how would you diagnose a depressed person? What are the symptoms? Increased Appetite, Reduced Activity, Low Self-Esteem, Problems with Sleep, and Excessive Alcohol Consumption, are some of the common factors. Read more about depression on the Elite Clinics website.
Does Being Overweight Cause Depression?
And, if you asked Marion Shirran, Joint Clinical Director at My Weigh Less, with over fifteen thousand hours of 1:1 clinical treatment time, how would she diagnose an individual as having a problem around food and nutrition, and being on the road to obesity, if she could not actually see them? She says.
Obesity and Depression Link
Does Being Overweight Cause Depression
“I would expect them to tell me that they were suffering with low self-esteem, experiencing a higher than normal level of dependence on alcohol, and fast, processed food. Also, I would expect them to be experiencing a reduction in quality sleep, resulting in a reduced level of activity, and a general feeling of lethargy”.
Reduced Quality of Sleep – Depressed and Obese
You could almost use one method of diagnosis for both conditions. And as a result, it is easy to put together all the reasons why depression goes side by side with obesity.
Does Being Overweight Cause Depression
Childhood Obesity and Depression
Yet another contributing factor is that a large percentage of overweight people tend to stay at home more. They shun socialising, because of their weight/size. In recent times, many have also said they feared a worse outcome, as an obese person, should they be admitted to hospital, diagnosed with Coronavirus.
And, of course, the recent pandemic has further increased the prevalence of obesity. We have a dedicated post asking “Does Working From Home Cause Weight Gain?” You can also check out our blog post “How to Reverse Covid Weight Gain“.
Could it start in childhood?
Could it start in childhood? It is believed that obesity in children can lead to bullying, and the child not being included in a number of activities. This may manifest itself into the sometimes serious issues around body image. Being obese, regardless of age, is often a factor that contributes to feelings of frustration, sadness, and general depression. Going forward, helping the younger generation understand their feelings, and how they can improve them, may become a part of the solution to childhood obesity.
Depression Due To Obesity
How interlinked are Obesity and Depression?
For instance, obesity might make depression more likely to occur initially, but once depressive symptoms arise, they might compound obesity, by making it harder for the individual to exercise, as an example. Belief, and having an elevated level of self-esteem, are often markers for a successful weight loss outcome. However, ensuring the depressed person understands that their Belief drives Behaviour around weight loss, may be a challenge.
So how do you make the change?
So how do you overcome depression? Well, if you accept that research indicates that depression reduces with every pound of excess weight lost, then starting on a proven weight loss regime should be your first step. At the same time, you should either read a book, or watch some YouTube videos on CBT. As a method of treating depression, it is one of the most successful interventions you can take. Check out our Pause Button Therapy website for more information.
Depression Due To Obesity
How Does Being Overweight Cause Depression?
CBT is evidence-based, and also the most researched therapy on the planet. You will very quickly learn the simple, but often life-changing lesson, that Belief always controls Behaviour. And when you understand that, you will be well on the way to recovery. Start to live in the present, accept the Life Architecture principle that it is your birthright, to live a happy and fulfilled life. Just the same as it is for everyone else. Also read. Overweight people are different.
Obesity and Depression FAQs
FAQ 1. What is the fastest way to overcome depression?
ANSWER: You may want to speak with your doctor, but prescription drugs are often not the preferred approach. Speak to friends and family, and share your feelings. Take a little gentle exercise, even if it’s only going for a walk. Try to increase your level of quality sleep. Read a book, or watch videos about CBT. Seek out a weight loss approach that works for you. Be committed and excited about your future.
FAQ 2. Will I lose weight as my depression lifts?
ANSWER: There is little doubt that the two issues are connected. Weight loss is not a measure of reduced depression, but you will find it much easier to lose weight after your depression has eased. Be aware of the possible effect of weight gain from prescription anti-depressant medication.
FAQ 3. Do I need to see a doctor about my depression?
ANSWER: It is always advisable to speak with your doctor, if you feel your depression is out of control. In many cases your depression will be transient: it will fade, and lighten over time. Do try and work through the suggestions in FAQ 1.
FAQ 4. How fast will I lose weight?
So How Fast Will You Lose Weight
ANSWER: It is, in fact, one of the most common questions we are asked at the clinic. Of course, there is no standard answer. So many factors are included, including your starting weight, your age, your level of alcohol consumption etc. On the My Weigh Less Course, we would expect to see a long-term weight loss of around two pounds per week. As is normal, in the first few weeks, the rate of weight loss will be higher.
FAQ 5. Will my depression lift quickly?
ANSWER: Once again, there is no standard answer: everyone is different, and it depends on the level of depression being experienced . If you take the steps suggested in FAQ 1, and also start being positively motivated by seeing week on week weight loss, then you will quickly start to feel better.
FAQ 6. Will my weight loss be permanent?
ANSWER: As we say multiple times on our website, helping someone to lose weight is, in our opinion, relatively easy. Ensuring that the weight loss is permanent, is the silver bullet. Martin and Marion Shirran have become Weight Loss Experts, on both sides of the Atlantic. They have treated over a thousand people, and the unique treatment they developed is focused exclusively on delivering permanent weight-loss results.
Below is a selection of weight-loss tips that everyone can start using straight away. And, if you enroll in the My Weigh Less Course, you will learn many more of our helpful tips and techniques about how to achieve successful, permanent weight loss.
Tip No. 1 – Eat Slowly and Mindfully!
A growing number of studies have consistently found a correlation between speed of eating and weight, so it is officially accepted now that faster eaters are definitely more likely to become overweight. Studies have also shown that people are much more likely to eat more when their eating is mindless, as opposed to mindful. So, make meal times an occasion by sitting down at a table, with no distractions. Then eat slowly and savour every mouthful. You will naturally eat less food and also find it easier to lose weight as a result!
Tip No. 2 – Stay Away From Sugar and Highly Processed Foods!
It’s a fact that sugar and highly processed foods have addictive properties! So much so, that many people find that once they start eating these foods, they literally can’t stop. And, of course, if you’re making such poor food choices, this in turn will make it almost impossible for you to lose weight. So, our advice is to choose healthy, unprocessed foods and limit the amount of sugar you consume. As a result, you will have far more control over how much you eat and also how much weight you can lose.
Tip No. 3 – Eat Your Favourite Foods on the Plate First!
You may not be aware of how important this tip is, but the order in which you eat your food can actually have a big impact on how much you consume! It’s quite common for overweight people to “save the best til last” when eating. In other words they only eat their favourite food right at the end. It’s not so surprising then, that they also tend to eat everything on their plate, regardless of how uncomfortably full they feel. Because, of course, they don’t want to miss out on the “best bit”!
However, our advice is to eat your favourite things first. Not only will you enjoy it more, but it’s also much easier to stop when you’ve eaten just the right amount and leave the rest on the plate.
A Permanent Solution to Weight Loss
Are you tired of trying an endless list of diets that just don’t work? Are you becoming weary of your efforts, always resulting in you regaining all the lost weight? Has your approach to dieting made you fear social events?
Are you looking for a Medically Endorsed solution; one based on thousands of hours of experience? Do you dream of finding a ‘Permanent Weight Loss’ treatment? Have you searched on Google in the hope of finding a proven programme? Maybe something that doesn’t involve undertaking a restrictive diet, doing lots of exercise, or having invasive surgery… And no need to buy any “Meal Replacement” products!
My Weigh Less Downloadable Course
Read on the pages of this website how Oxford Therapeutics Limited – ‘My Weigh Less’ – is successfully delivering what is Utopia to Dieters. A Medically Endorsed, proven weight loss approach. A programme based on over 15,000 1:1 clinical treatment hours.
You can download a free 20-minute MP3 introduction right now. No email or credit card details required, just ten minutes of your time. Find out how My Weigh Less can help you reach your weight loss goals and discover long term weight management!
My Weigh Less Delivers
– Permanent Weight Loss –
– No Diet or Exercise Required –
– Medically Endorsed –
– 15,000 1:1 Clinical Hours Experience –
– Fully Downloadable –
– Featured in Global Media –
– Award-Winning Programme –
Lose Weight in a Healthy Way
So how do we start to lose weight in a healthy and permanent way? There are so many approaches to weight loss. Put Diet, or Weight loss into Google, for example, and you will have over a million referrals, in a heartbeat. We would be naive to say that the My Weigh Less approach is perfect for everyone, or that it can provide you with a 100% guarantee of success. We will not insult your intelligence! Sarah Hart, below, lost 140 pounds following her treatment.
How Does Being Overweight Cause Depression
Depression Due To Obesity
The My Weigh Less treatment is psychology-focused. The fully downloadable treatment has been the subject of extensive real person trials. But, as with your considerations regarding any weight loss approach, do take a look at the verified case studies, and their before and after photos on the My Weigh Less Site. If you require additional comfort, which is fair enough, visit the Medical Endorsement page.
The Gold Standard in Non-Surgical Weight Loss
The My weigh Less treatment package consists of twelve one hour weight loss sessions, with Martin and Marion Shirran. In addition to the twelve sessions, clients receive a number of videos, animated presentations, visual aids and hypnosis sessions. The link between obesity and depression explored.
Martin Shirran was one of first trial candidates.
Depression Due To Obesity
The My Weigh Less Course is new and refreshing, incorporating the latest, science-based, behavioural change techniques. Completely based on an approach that has changed the lives of over a thousand people. You too can experience the benefits, the changes in your life, and your thinking around food: maybe today… Martin, above, went on to lose 84 pounds.
Marie Claire was one of hundreds of magazines and newspapers to feature their work.
If you want to lose weight for good, and have looked into different diets, and possibly even surgery, then take a step back, before you decide which approach to adopt. You do not need to spend any money right now. Just take ten minutes to read the pages of the My Weigh Less website. After all, you have nothing to lose. There’s additional information on Martin and Marion Shirran’s GMB site.
Lose Weight, Lose the Depression.
Registered Stakeholder in NICE – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Marion Shirran, as a director of Oxford Therapeutics Limited, is proud to be a registered Stakeholder in NICE – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
You can download the complete course, and start your weight-loss journey today.
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