Obesity Leading to Depression or Anxiety?

Obese people and smokers are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression, according to a new nationwide study conducted by researchers at the Division of Adult and Community Health in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Overweight or obese people are more likely to suffer from depression due to societal attitudes towards this condition, or depression may lead to obesity because it can increase appetite while others may suffer from weight loss and decreased appetite, according to researcher Tara Strine, lead author of the study.

The study involved over 200,000 adults in thirty-eight states who were asked if they were depressed, or currently suffering from anxiety or depression. The subjects were also asked about their weight, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and smoking habits.

The findings showed that people who were currently suffering from depression or were previously diagnosed with anxiety depression were twice more likely to smoke or start smoking compared to people who were not depressed. The subjects with depression had a sixty-percent higher risk to become obese than those who were not diagnosed with depression, according to researchers.

The researchers also noticed a connection between anxiety and weight gain. The participants who suffered from anxiety disorder were also more likely to become overweight or obese. Usually, when they suffer from depression or anxiety, people are more likely to decrease their physical activity, binge, or become heavy drinkers.

The main purpose of this well-done study is to raise awareness on chronic diseases, and the link between them and depression, said Strine.