Obesity is a chronic disease that affects billions of people worldwide, and recent studies have shown psychology and obesity are more related than we think. Scientists have researched the effects of mental health in overweight people since obesity has led to a multitude of health concerns. While the physical ramifications of obesity are widely recognized, its impact on mental health is often overlooked.
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Obesity has become a pressing public health issue worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO)[1], the global obesity rate has tripled since 1975.
In 2020, more than 2 billion adults were overweight, with 650 million classified as obese. These statistics show a significant situation that demands immediate attention.
Obesity and mental health
Research consistently demonstrates the profound impact of obesity on mental health Studies have revealed that individuals with obesity are at a higher risk of developing various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders[2].
Several comprehensive reviews have suggested that between 20% and 60% of persons with obesity, and extreme obesity in particular, suffer from a psychiatric illness. Let’s delve into some pertinent statistics:
Depression and Obesity
Patients with depression are now seeking nutritional support as well as psychological or psychiatric help. In some cases, they might change their diet to make the right food choices and avoid certain ingredients, but these lead us to question what is the right diet and which is not? As far as we have researched, there is no right or wrong diet, but there are indeed some foods to avoid for depression and help with obesity.
A strong correlation exists between depression and obesity. Research has shown that individuals with obesity are approximately 55% more likely to develop depression during their lifetime compared to those of normal weight.
In adolescents, the risk increases to 58%[3]. These numbers are concerning and emphasize the need for comprehensive healthcare interventions.
Anxiety and Obesity
According to the National Institute of mental health, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. That’s 40 million adults—18% of the population—who struggle with anxiety. Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand, with about half of those with depression also experiencing anxiety[4].
While therapy, medication, and self-care practices are essential in managing anxiety, we often overlook the impact of our diet on our mental well-being to avoid obesity. Some researchers have explored the relationship between anxiety and the food we eat and how making mindful choices can support a calmer and more balanced state of mind, including reducing the chances of being diagnosed with obesity.
Anxiety disorders are another mental health issue associated with obesity. A study found that obese individuals are almost twice as likely to develop anxiety disorders compared to their non-obese counterparts[5]. The increased prevalence of anxiety further underscores the importance of addressing the psychological impact of obesity.
Psychological Effect of Eating Disorders and Obesity
While eating disorders are typically associated with low body weight, they can also affect individuals with obesity; in fact, disordered eating is common among persons with obesity. Also, binge eating disorder (BED) is commonly observed in those struggling with weight issues, and it consists of the individual consuming a large amount of food in a brief period of time (less than 2 hours) with no control. Approximately 30% to 40% of individuals seeking weight loss treatment have BED[6]. This complex relationship between obesity and eating disorders highlights the significance of a holistic approach to mental health
As we see, obesity and mental health disorders often exist in a vicious cycle, exacerbating each other’s effects. The psychological distress associated with obesity can lead to emotional eating and unhealthy coping mechanisms, perpetuating weight gain. The physical and social consequences of obesity, such as body image dissatisfaction and weight stigma, can significantly affect the mental well-being and state of mind of the individual with obesity.
Thus, it is essential to highlight childhood obesity since it has become a major concern worldwide, and its implications for mental health are equally alarming as obesity in adults. Obese children and adolescents are more likely to experience poor self-esteem, social isolation, and bullying. These psychological challenges can persist into adulthood, compounding the overall burden of obesity on mental health
Implementing mindful eating at home and educating children at school can have a significant impact on the statistics since obesity has become a global health crisis, affecting millions of people worldwide. While the physical consequences of obesity are well documented, the psychological impact often remains underappreciated and misunderstood, until recent studies appear.
The negative effects of obesity are not only physical, now the effects are visible in the mental health of the individual. Beyond the struggles with weight and related health issues, adults with obesity face a host of psychological challenges that can significantly influence their quality of life in this modern society.
Some of these situations can lead the individual to perceive stigma, isolation, present body image dissatisfaction, depression, and anxiety.
- Stigma and social isolation: Obese individuals often experience pervasive weight-based stigmatization and discrimination, leading to profound social and emotional consequences. They may face negative stereotypes, bias, and ridicule, which can erode self-esteem, self-worth, and body image[7]. These experiences can lead to social isolation, withdrawal from social activities, and an increased risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
- Body image dissatisfaction: Body image dissatisfaction is prevalent among individuals with obesity. Society’s unattainable beauty standards and the constant bombardment of media messages emphasizing thinness exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and self-consciousness. This dissatisfaction can result in low self-esteem, negative body image perception[8], and an increased likelihood of developing eating disorders such as binge eating disorder or emotional eating.
- Depression and anxiety: Obesity and mental health, as we previously mentioned, are extremely connected, with depression and anxiety being common comorbidities. The psychological strain of obesity, coupled with the physiological effects, can contribute to the development or exacerbation of these mental health conditions. Living with obesity can lead to a vicious cycle where emotional distress can drive overeating, weight gain, and further deterioration of mental well-being.
- Emotional coping and self-esteem: Food can serve as an emotional coping mechanism for individuals with obesity. Emotional eating, driven by stress, boredom, or negative emotions, becomes a coping strategy to temporarily alleviate psychological discomfort. However, this pattern reinforces reliance on food for emotional regulation, often enhancing the obesity cycle. As a result, self-esteem and self-efficacy suffer, further exacerbating the psychological impact of obesity.
- Reduced quality of life: According to the National Library of Medicine, obesity can significantly impair an individual’s overall quality of life[9]. The physical limitations it imposes, such as reduced mobility, increased fatigue, and chronic pain, can restrict participation in daily activities and hobbies, leading to frustration and feelings of helplessness. Social interactions, intimate relationships, and career opportunities may also be affected, diminishing overall life satisfaction and fulfillment.
- Medical adherence and treatment challenges: Psychological factors play a critical role in the success of weight management interventions. Obese adults often encounter difficulties adhering to treatment plans due to emotional and psychological barriers. These challenges may include lack of motivation, emotional eating, body image issues, or previous unsuccessful attempts at weight loss. Addressing the psychological aspects of obesity is vital for designing effective treatment strategies and providing the necessary support.
In conclusion, the psychological effects of obesity in adults extend far beyond the physical health implications, as well as its origin, the unique factors such as genetics, lifestyle and health conditions, and obesity causes are particular. The emotional burden, stigma, and social isolation experienced by those living with obesity can be hard since it affects their mental well-being, self-perception, and overall day-to-day.
Recognizing and addressing the psychological challenges of obesity in today’s world is essential in promoting holistic and effective interventions, fostering a supportive environment, and reducing the burden for individuals struggling with this complex condition. It is crucial to promote empathy, understanding, and evidence-based approaches to help individuals overcome the psychological barriers associated with obesity and improve their overall well-being.
Addressing the mental health implications of obesity requires a multi-faceted approach, involving healthcare professionals, policymakers, and society as a whole. By understanding the magnitude of the problem and implementing comprehensive interventions, we can strive to improve the well-being of individuals affected by obesity and foster a healthier future for all.
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References
- [1] “Obesity and overweight”. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight (Accessed June 27, 2023).
- [2, 5, 6, 8] Sarwer DB, Polonsky HM. The Psychosocial Burden of Obesity. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2016 Sep;45(3):677-88. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2016.04.016. PMID: 27519139; PMCID: PMC6052856.
- [3] Blasco BV, García-Jiménez J, Bodoano I, Gutiérrez-Rojas L. Obesity and Depression: Its Prevalence and Influence as a Prognostic Factor: A Systematic Review. Psychiatry Investig. 2020 Aug;17(8):715-724. doi: 10.30773/pi.2020.0099. Epub 2020 Aug 12. PMID: 32777922; PMCID: PMC7449839.
- [4] “Nutritional strategies to ease anxiety”. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-strategies-to-ease-anxiety-201604139441 (Accessed June 27, 2023).
- [7, 9] Puhl RM, Heuer CA. Obesity stigma: important considerations for public health. Am J Public Health. 2010 Jun;100(6):1019-28. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.159491. Epub 2010 Jan 14. PMID: 20075322; PMCID: PMC2866597.