Depression and obesity: a vicious circle.

This is the conclusion of Dutch researchers, who say that obese people are twice as likely to become depressed. Meanwhile, they found that depressed people faced an almost 60% higher chance of becoming obese.

They reached this conclusion by gathering together data from 15 different trials, which looked at a combined total of nearly 59,000 people.

Depression can lead to obesity because it interferes with the endocrine system, a system that regulates the release of hormones into the body. Depressed people may also be taking anti-depressant drugs, which can also affect the body’s hormones, altering dieting habits.

Psychologically, depressed people may become obese because they feel so low that they neglect to look after their health. Comfort eating is also common among people who are feeling down, who may seek out unhealthy snacks regularly as a quick-fix way of making them feel better.

On the other side of the equation obesity can lead to low self-esteem about your body image. This is particularly true, say the researchers, in areas like America and Europe where thinness is fashionable and seen as the ideal in terms of body size. In turn, this poor body image can cause depression.

There are various theories as to why obesity and depression are so closely linked. Debate will continue on the issue, which some have termed a ‘chicken and the egg’ situation – that demands the discovery of whether obesity or depression comes first – while others believe that the ‘vicious circle’ theory holds true.

The researchers of this particular trial recommend that in the early stages of obesity, clinicians need to be on the lookout for signs of depression, while with patients affected by depression, weight should be monitored.

If you are worried about either condition, it is important to consult with a trained medical professional.