Obesity and Depression May be Chicken-or-Egg
Conundrum
The treatment of depression and obesity should be
integrated
June 3, 2008 Millions of older Americans battle
obesity and depression but new research suggest it is one of those
chicken-or-egg type of things - or, maybe more like a Catch 22. People who are obese appear to be more
likely to become depressed, and people who are depressed are more likely
to become obese.
The researchers examined the close correlation
between the two factors. The data suggests a connection between the
conditions and found evidence for causal pathways from obesity to
depression and depression to obesity, according to Sarah M. Markowitz,
M.S., the study leader.
Obese high society women get depressed
People who are obese may be more likely to become
depressed because they experience themselves as in poor health and are
dissatisfied with their appearance. This occurrence was particularly
prevalent among women and those of high socio-economic status.
Depressed get fat cant deal with hormones.
People who are depressed may be more likely to
become obese because of physiological changes in their hormone and
immune systems that occur in depression.
Also, they have more difficulty taking good care of
themselves because of symptoms and consequences of depression, such as
difficulty adhering to fitness regiments, overeating, and having
negative thoughts.
Treatments such as exercise and stress reduction
can help to manage both obesity and depression at the same time.
Dieting not always a good idea
Potentially, dieting, which can worsen mood, and
antidepressants, which can cause weight gain, should be minimized.
"The treatment of depression and obesity should be
integrated," the authors conclude. "This way, healthcare providers are
working together to treat both conditions, rather than each in
isolation."
This major review is published in the March 2008
issue of Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice.
Sarah M. Markowitz, M.S., is affiliated with
Rutgers, the State University of New.
Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice presents
cutting-edge developments in the science and practice of clinical
psychology by publishing scholarly topical reviews of research, theory,
and application to diverse areas of the field, including assessment,
intervention, service delivery, and professional issues.
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The treatment of depression and obesity should be
integrated