Both physical and social factors can play a role in overweight people's risk of depression. This emerges from a new study in which researchersLink between obesity and depressionexamined. The results suggest that high body mass index (BMI) as well as other stressors could have a major impact on well-being.
How overweight people deal with stress
While obesity is known to be dangerous to physical health, the study authors discovered that being overweight can also have a significant impact on mental health. The team used a genetic analysis known as Mendelian randomization to examine whether the causal relationship is the result of psychosocial pathways. Such social influences include social stigma or metabolic diseases, which are associated with a higher KMI. These diseases include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A set of genes makes people fatter but still healthier. This means they are less likely to suffer from medical conditions associated with higher BMI. However, the second set of genes analyzed is typical for overweight people and causes metabolic problems and susceptibility to such diseases.
The research team found little difference between the two genetic variants. This suggests that both physical and social factors play a role in higher rates of depression and poorer well-being. According to the study authors, obesity and depression are major global health challenges. Additionally, their research provides the most robust evidence to date that higher KMI can cause depression. The study results may help develop effective strategies to improve mental health and well-being for obese people. Current research suggests that obesity leads to a higher risk of depression, independent of the role of metabolic health. For this reason the authors wantthis studyFinding new ways to help people lose weight. These could benefit both their mental and physical health.
