How losing weight can impact mental health

Obesity can have a significant impact on mental health.

Numerous studies have found that obesity and mental health have a complex and continuous relationship. Obesity can be linked to various mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and others. This article will explore how obesity affects mental health and why it is important to address this issue.

Mental health conditions can make it harder to lose weight in several ways. Sometimes the medications used to treat depression or bipolar depression or other psychiatric conditions can cause weight gain. Of course, these medications may be vital in treating mental health disorders, but these patients may need additional help maintaining or losing weight due to medication side effects. Another issue is that mental health conditions can make it harder for patients to make the necessary health changes.

Patients with obesity may feel poorly about their appearance, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. This has the possibility to lead to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Additionally, obesity can make it difficult for people to participate in activities they enjoy or feel comfortable in social situations, further exacerbating feelings of isolation and low self-esteem.

For someone with significant depression, getting out of bed early to exercise or finding time to go to the grocery store may feel impossible. Lack of sleep related to insomnia can cause fatigue that limits the ability to exercise. For patients with ADHD, snacking and impulsive eating can be a challenge. So, losing weight can be even more challenging for many patients with mental health diagnoses. At the same time, struggling with weight and weight bias is often a source of depression and anxiety that many patients describe. And, of course, eating disorders complicate weight loss as well.

Obesity can also affect mental health through its impact on physical health. Patients with obesity are at a higher risk of developing a range of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. These conditions can significantly impact mental health, as people may experience pain, discomfort and reduced mobility. Chronic pain and discomfort can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders.

In some cases, weight loss can improve mental health. When people lose weight, they often increase exercise, which is beneficial for mood. Patients often feel empowered and optimistic while losing weight, which can benefit their mood. Additionally, losing weight can improve physical health, which can boost self-esteem and overall well-being. This can lead to a positive cycle of improved self-esteem, increased motivation and continued weight loss.

Weight loss can also improve mental health by reducing the risk of depression and anxiety. It can enhance the quality of sleep, which can help reduce feelings of fatigue and irritability that are common in people with depression.

It is important to note, however, that weight loss can also negatively impact mental health if it is not achieved healthily. Diets, calorie restriction and excessive exercise can all lead to feelings of anxiety, stress and disordered eating behaviors. Patients often see clinicians hoping that weight loss will make them feel better about themselves or improve their depression. It is not a realistic expectation as many people with lower BMIs also struggle with body image or depression. It is important to approach weight loss in a healthy, sustainable way that considers physical and mental health.

Health care providers can play a critical role in helping patients struggling with mental health during their weight loss journey. Screening for depression and disordered eating is an integral part of helping patients lose weight. Without treating underlying mood disorders and mental health conditions, it is tough to help people lose weight. If a new medication needs to be started for a patient trying to lose weight, we should try to utilize medications not known to cause weight gain when possible. Offering patients therapy is essential as well. And encouraging patients that exercise can be a powerful tool for mental health is another option. Clinicians should also work to address weight bias and stigma. They should be aware of bias and stigma and strive to create a safe and supportive environment for their patients. They can avoid using stigmatizing language and promote positive body image and self-acceptance. This can help reduce weight stigma's negative impact on mental health.

It is important to address both the physical and mental health aspects of obesity to improve overall health and wellbeing. This may include engaging in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise and healthy eating, seeking treatment for mental health issues and working with health care providers to manage any underlying medical conditions. By addressing physical and mental health, weight loss can lead to a positive cycle of improved health and wellbeing.

The Obesity Algorithm from the Obesity Medicine Association has more detailed information about why obesity and mental health are linked, and about which medications may be better for treating mental health conditions without causing weight gain.

Reference:

• Obesity Algorithm. https://obesitymedicine.org/obesity-algorithm/. Accessed May 11, 2023.