Depression Due to Weight Gain

One of the lesser-known symptoms of depression is weight gain. A study conducted in October 2009 has proven that people suffering from depression and its related disorders gain weight over time which can lead to obesity. However, the relation between the two isn't evident and concise. According to psychiatrist Gregory E. Simon, MD, MPH, obesity and depression are pretty hard to separate: Obesity leads to depression, depression can make you want to eat a lot more and exercise less, and the cycle repeats itself.

Besides depression, obesity is associated with other mental health problems such as anxiety and chronic stress. People with these issues often eat food as a way to cope with issues. Obesity and depression also pose significant risks for other conditions such as chronic pain, sleep apnea, hypertension, heart problems and diabetes.

Depression and obesity are both long-term chronic illnesses. It's important to constantly communicate with your therapist as honesty is a substantial factor in helping your therapists monitor your underlying conditions. In addition, a therapist can help you understand your emotions and accept the changes in your life.

Staying active is also a great way to fight off depression. Exercise boosts your endorphins and gradually helps you lose weight. However, while it's a challenge to get motivated to exercise, it helps take small steps. Ten minutes of simple exercise or one lap of walking around the neighbourhood is a great start.

As therapists, our goal is to adequately address the physical, emotional and psychological effects of obesity and depression. Besides unhealthy eating habits, medications for depression also aid in adding weight. So weight-management therapies are applied to help adjust your weight gained from medicine. Keep in mind that our counsellors can apply several treatment plans that may work for your conditions and needs.

Change takes time, and it's the same with breaking the cycle of obesity and depression. Here at Cooks Hill Counselling, we help you achieve a greater sense of relief and accept your body however you want it to be.