5 Ways in Which Obesity Affects Mental Health

Today, with the increased consumption of fast foods, physical inactivity, and more time spent on screens, there is a growing number of people who suffer from weight-associated problems that eventually affect their mental stability. The highly competitive world and increase in study pressure for kids and teenagers along with the advent of smartphones, has led to a decline in outdoor activities which negatively impacts an individual’s weight and mental health. For working adults, long hours of sedimentary desk jobs, lack of physical activity and increased travel time result in burnout. As people deal with all of these issues, the connection between physical well-being and emotional stability becomes more pronounced. It is therefore important to know the impact of obesity on the psyche, for the betterment of one’s way of life.

Below listed are five such reasons as to how obesity affects the mental health of an individual.

1. Increased Risk of Depression – It has been studied that depression is very common among obese individuals. Concerns over weight maintenance, stigma and consequent discrimination may be a source of distress resulting in depressed mood. Lack of outdoor activities also leads to Vitamin D deficiency, which has been noticed to incite depression-like symptoms in individuals.
2. Anxiety and Stress –It is well known that obesity can cause stress as well as anxiety disorders. The presence of excess fat around the lungs makes it harder for the diaphragm to stretch, which in turn results in breathing problems. The sudden experience of not being able to breathe properly leads to a feeling of panic and anxiety in people. In addition to this, there is a possibility that people may be pressured into believing they should fit a certain societal definition of beauty which may, in turn, cause them panic and discomfort with themselves.
3. Low Self-Esteem –Problems associated with weight tend to affect the self-esteem of individuals. Young people, for instance, may learn to hate their bodies and create a poor image of themselves as a result. This leaves them with a crippled self-esteem that makes it impossible for them to partake in socialization, chase after their objectives or even interact well with other individuals.
4. Social Isolation –Those suffering from obesity can often times experience extreme social isolation. Young people avoid engaging in activities with others out of embarrassment and can end up feeling chronically depressed and mentally unwell. Such a situation can transcend into a cycle, where such negative emotions lead to depression, which in turn results in unhealthy behaviours or habits.
5. Disordered Eating Patterns –Obesity can also be the result of psychological distress. This can manifest itself in the form of binge eating or emotional eating when the individual is trying to find comfort and ease emotional pain. Over time, the psychological need for food associated with emotions may become more pronounced, therefore causing mental and even physical health issues.

It is important to acknowledge that the connection between obesity and mental health is complicated and multifaceted, especially for the youth who live in a world of challenges and expectations. Awareness of how obesity impacts one’s mental health creates a conducive environment that promotes healthy behaviours, reframes negative body image and develops emotional strength. Tackling such problems in a comprehensive manner equips people with the skill set and attitude to take care of their bodies as well as their minds, while consequently hoping for a better tomorrow.

 Dr. Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant & HOD – Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru