People suffering from depression or anxiety may gain or lose weight due to their illnesses or the drugs used to treat them. Stress eating, poor dietary choices, and a sedentary lifestyle have been associated with depression, anxiety, and vice-versa.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 43% of individuals with depression are obese.
Possible Scientific Explanation of Depression's Link to Weight
It's unclear how this vicious spiral begins, but it's undeniable that obesity and depression are related.
For years, scientists were cautious about linking the two, but anecdotal stories slowly gave way to reliable scientific evidence as more and more research studies were conducted. Obesity is now generally established to raise your risk of depression and vice versa.
Weight Loss and Depression Treatment
Many doctors use a multi-pronged strategy to treat these disorders. In addition to treating the diagnosed ailment, many treatment programs incorporate preventative steps to lower your chance of developing commonly associated conditions like heart disease and Diabetes Mellitus.
The objective is to address the physical and mental requirements of each disease.
Depression treatment frequently includes a combination of therapies, such as therapy and antidepressants, and exercise and dietary adjustments. Changes in lifestyle, such as walking and eating more fruits and vegetables, can assist patients in regaining their average weight.
Patients who use antidepressants do not need to gain weight. Weight gain, on the other hand, is a probable adverse effect of several antidepressants. TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a medication-free, noninvasive therapy that relieves depression symptoms without the side effects of antidepressants for individuals searching for an alternative to antidepressants.
Obesity and depression prevention techniques differ, but some overlap. You can lower your chance of either ailment by doing the following:
maintain an active lifestyle
talk to someone
stick to your treatment plans.
How Do You Determine if Treatment is Helping or Not
Extreme adjustments might exacerbate an already difficult situation. That is why you must seek the advice of knowledgeable health professionals as you embark on this adventure.
Sudden, drastic changes might exacerbate difficulties. They may also increase your chances of failure, reducing your efforts to scratch and worsening your issues.
If you suffer any of the following red flag symptoms or side effects, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your treatment options:
loss of all interest or pleasure in usually enjoyed activities
unable to leave your house or bed
abnormal sleeping pattern changes
weight increase due to exhaustion
Conclusion
Getting a diagnosis and starting therapy can be challenging when you can't even get out of bed. Fortunately, you don't have to do it all alone.
Family, friends, and other support groups aside, your doctor is someone you can confide completely, knowing they'll have your best interests in mind every time. They will collaborate with you to figure out the best solutions for your specific needs, help you establish a better lifestyle, and help you become more accountable for your decisions. Positive changes and relief are within your reach, but it'll take time, dedication, and patience.
Hope Seed Support Center provides support services to the community through counseling, nutritional therapy, and many more. We also provided crisis care services 24/7 for people with urgent needs. Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment in our counseling center in Houston today.
Donec id justo non metus auctor commodo ut quis enim. Mauris fringilla dolor vel condimentum imperdiet.