The impact that mental health has on emotions and behavior is well-known. But the influence it has on physical health, particularly weight gain, is often overlooked. However, over the years, numerous studies have been conducted to highlight the relationship between mental well-being and body weight.
A study conducted in South Korea by the Department of Family Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul found a correlation between poor mental health and weight gain. Another study conducted in 2014, in the UK, found that alcohol intake and obesity were associated with low mental well-being, and a healthy diet was linked with high mental well-being.
It is a known fact that stress can cause weight gain due to the body’s stress response system and cortisol release. Additionally, disturbances in the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are recorded in cases of depression and anxiety, can influence reward-seeking behavior, further exacerbating the risk of overeating and lethargy.
Moreover, irregular eating patterns created due to mood fluctuations can disrupt the body’s natural cues and lead to difficulty recognizing satiety. Consequently, individuals may consume more food than their body requires, contributing to a gradual increase in weight.
However, due to the complex nature of the link between mental health and weight gain, where one feeds into another, none of the studies mentioned have been able to establish a causative relationship. However, a positive correlation is being suggested between mental health and weight gain.
How to break the vicious cycle?
To address this complicated relationship between poor mental health and weight gain, an approach is essential that integrates both physiological and psychological interventions. Strategies such as Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based techniques can help develop a healthier coping mechanism. It can help to manage stress, as well as other mental health issues.
Additionally, including regular physical activity with a healthy diet, can further yield significant benefits for both mental and physical wellbeing. Furthermore, pursuing activities of interest, like traveling or photography has also been proven to improve mental health.
In conclusion, by recognizing the impact of poor mental health on eating behavior, physical activity, and hormonal regulation an individual can take proactive steps to improve one’s quality of life and cultivate resilience in the face of challenges.
References:
- Mental health challenges contributed to weight gain for people with obesity during COVID-19 Published on: August 09, 2022 https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/newsroom/articles/year-2022/august-mental-health-challenges.html
- The Relationship between Psychological Factors and Weight Gain, Authors Hye Jin Jang, Byung Sung Kim, * Chang Won Won, Sun Young Kim, and Myung Weon Seo https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7700826/
- Mental Health Disorders, Weight Gain, and Exercise By Lois Zoppi, B.A.Reviewed by Jennifer Logan, MD, MPH https://www.news-medical.net/health/Mental-Health-Disorders-Weight-Gain-and-Exercise.aspx
