Obesity is a chronic health condition that’s caused mostly by lifestyle, hormonal, and genetic factors. However, obesity can also be caused by psychological factors, including mental health. Many studies have found links between obesity and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, suggesting that these conditions can cause or exacerbate (worsen) a high body mass index (BMI).
The connection between mental health and weight
According to research, obesity and mental health are related in a bidirectional way. A 2023 study suggests that people with obesity are at a higher risk for developing anxiety or depression due to metabolic dysfunction and a negative societal stigma that accompanies a higher body weight.
On the other hand, a 2020 study suggests that people with depression have a 58% increased risk of developing obesity. Stress, depression, and anxiety can trigger behaviors, including emotional eating, decreased physical activity, and disrupted sleep patterns, all of which contribute to weight gain. Research suggests that when the stress-induced hormone cortisol is released, it can promote fat accumulation, particularly in the abdominal area.
Why depression and anxiety cause obesity
Obesity itself is a health condition, and like many chronic conditions, stress and mental health can be major contributors to it. As mentioned, when the body senses stress, it sends signals to your adrenal glands, which increase the production of the cortisol hormone and can promote excess fat storage.
Mental health issues can also cause a change in lifestyle habits like less physical activity and overeating. The 2023 study previously mentioned found that over 50% of people diagnosed with binge eating disorder were also diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and high BMI.
If you have consistent negative emotions or have symptoms of depression or anxiety, be sure to reach out to a healthcare professional for help. Talk with your team about a potential plan to help with your symptoms because sometimes treating mental health conditions can also cause a change in weight.
Antidepressants and antipsychotics may cause an increase in body fatand can even stimulate hunger and cause an influx of caloric intake. It’s important to talk about the potential side effects of any medications you’re prescribed or ask if it’s possible to complement any mood disorder medication with a weight management medication.
How obesity can affect mental health
Conversely, living with obesity may also exacerbate mental health conditions. Studies suggest that because obesity promotes chronic inflammation throughout the body, people who have obesity are more at risk for physiological and neurological conditions like depression.
Moreover, people with obesity often face stigma, discrimination, and societal judgments, which can lead to negative feelings. These experiences can contribute to the development or worsening of depression and anxiety disorders and higher cortisol levels.
One 2021 study examined the impact of weight stigma on mental health and found that people who experienced weight-based discrimination reported higher levels of psychological distress and reduced quality of life.
While it may be sensitive to talk about weight and any negative feelings you may be experiencing about your body, consider talking with your doctor about your mental health. They’ll be able to create a plan to help manage your physical and emotional needs.
In addition to societal judgment, research suggests that more than 50% of people who are considered to have obesity have experienced insensitive comments from healthcare professionals and have had less time spent with their doctor because they were viewed as “noncompliant” patients. This may lead to experiencing negative feelings and psychological effects.
If you feel you’re healthcare team is bias, don’t be afraid to speak up — either directly to your primary medical professional or to someone else in the medical facility. Express how you’re feeling, and if you’re concerned about your weight or BMI, ask for tailored recommendations to help you with your goals such as a healthcare plan or recommended medications.
How to manage obesity and mental health
It’s important to understand how obesity and mental health interact with each other to create a management plan. Strategies to address the intersection include:
- Stress management: According to a 2018 review of 19 studies, mindfulness, meditation, and other stress-reduction practices can help the effects of chronic stress that causes weight gain. Other stress reduction strategies may include:
- speaking with a behavioral therapist
- recognizing stress triggers and actively managing them
- speaking with your doctor about what medications are available that won’t exacerbate your symptoms
- Weight loss management: Your doctor is the best person to talk with to develop a plan catered to you and your weight loss journey. Some steps may include:
- getting more daily physical activity
- creating a tailored nutritional plan to fit your needs
- trying weight loss medication or surgery for more immediate weight loss
Obesity can be linked to mental health issues, including stress and anxiety. A medical professional is the best source to determine the next steps to balance maintaining a moderate weight and navigating mental health treatment.