Tags
Depression, EHI, Engelman Health Institute, Healthy Aging, Weight Control, Weight Loss, Weight Management
Weight Control and Depression
—The Chicken or The Egg
There is exciting scientific information about weight control and obesity! EHI has incorporated this info into our weight loss and weight control program.The Pound Club! The latest science relates to these four areas: 1) Resistance to normal fullness signaling; 2) Depression in obesity; 3) Addiction as a contributing factor for obesity; 4) Positive reinforcement and accountability in weight loss programs.
There is overwhelming scientific information confirming the relationship of being overweight to negative health outcomes. These include, but are not limited to, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke, Dementia, Cancer and others. Weight control is the single most important measure one can take to obtain optimum health and wellness throughout their life!
For this blog, we will discuss the relationship of depression and weight control. Depression and weight problems often go hand in hand. Some people gain weight when they’re depressed and others lose weight to an unhealthy degree. Which comes first, depression leading to weight gain or weight gain leading to depression?
A published March 2010 review of 15 studies linked obesity to a greater risk of depression and vice versa. It’s the “chicken or the egg” conundrum.
Depression can worsen obesity with appetite disturbance, lack of energy and lack of motivation. Depressed people gain weight faster than the non-depressed, usually around the waist, which is dangerous. Often depression and obesity are self-reinforcing.
Some foods, especially high sugar or high fat content, make you feel better, if only briefly. That “good feeling” makes you want to eat more which in turn makes you feel worse about yourself; it’s a vicious cycle!!
When you’re depressed it’s harder to get out of bed, let alone pay attention to what you eat. The depression must be addressed, if severe, that should be dealt with first.
Extreme weight loss can also be a sign of depression. Treating depression is usually multi pronged and may include talk therapy and medication as well as exercise, a healthy diet and other life style changes.
One prescription for everyone is exercise. If You Move You Lose—Pounds and Depression. You monitor your progress and celebrate even small victories. Exercise allows patients to play an active role in caring for themselves. Exercise is great for mild to moderate depression.
Take a break from fast food and other unhealthy eating habits and cook a meal for yourself. Try to develop mindfulness, and be aware of what and how you eat. Learn and practice relaxation techniques.
Things take time and don’t be discouraged if you don’t achieve results right away. You need a comprehensive program which is more than just a pill or one size fits all plan. You are going to do most of the work.
We Have Faith In You And We Know You Can Do It! Now, Let’s Get Going!!