As if depression isn’t enough for somebody to deal with, recent studies find that it may also contribute to a risk of obesity. Those who suffer from depression may find that it’s a lot to cope with and may turn to food for comfort. This, of course, starts a whole, negative cycle.
What many recent studies are finding is that the eating isn’t always the problem but, rather, the actual makeup of the body may change and therefore contribute to obesity being more likely. This presents its own challenges and problems, and therefore one must be very aware of the risks and how to try to avoid this unhealthy cycle.
Many assume that the risk of obesity is linked to family history, and that’s partially true. If you happen to be somebody who is at greater risk for depression as well, even if you aren’t suffering from it right now, then you need to be aware of how the connection between depression and obesity works.
When you are suffering from depression, this recent research has found, you are also changing the very makeup of your body. So, say you eat a high fat food, for example. Your body is going to have a harder time processing it or breaking it down. Therefore, simply by eating what you may have normally eaten or turned to for comfort, you are much more likely to become obese.
A Common Link and Dangerous Combination
It’s a neverending cycle, if you think about it, because the risk of obesity grows when you eat higher-fat foods—and so many people turn to these types of foods when they feel depressed. The metabolism may slow down more and become sluggish; therefore, calorie burning doesn’t work the way it should. The hormones in the body don’t function the way that they are supposed to, either, and that means that digestion and the way your body isn’t at the top of its game in terms of processing the food you eat, either. This is a bad situation in every respect because it means that you are not able to burn off what you need to, and the end result contributes to depression that much more.
So though you may have never considered the link between depression and the risk of obesity, it is all too real. Understanding that the body processes foods differently, particularly higher-fat foods, can help you to make better choices. Not only that but, if you want to give your metabolism a true jump-start, you may find that eating right not only helps to combat the obesity risk but may help you to work through the symptoms of depression as well. Taking good care of yourself will truly benefit both conditions and help to battle the cycle of depression and obesity that would otherwise come about.
