Obesity causes depression

Havana: Being obese could increase the risk of depression by 25 percent, a study has found.
According to professor Alberto Hernandez: "The word 'fat' has become a social stigma, and takes a psychological toll on the individual."
"Depression manifests itself in negative thoughts, personal disability, poor state of mind and lack of initiative and lack of physical activity.
"Such a person may not be able to fully develop his or her personality, desires and interpersonal relationships,"
Prensa Latina news agency quoted Hernandez as saying.
The problem is more acute in women. Obesity-related depression is affecting more women, in a two-to-one ratio, compared to men, the study said.
An obese person's efforts to lose weight using incorrect, non-scientific methods can lead to failure, thus worsening depression, the study says.
"A vicious cycle develops in which depression, accompanied by a lack of interest and physical activity, leads to more obesity, and can cause physiological problems in the endocrine and immune systems," says Hernandez, professor at Dr. Salvador Allende Teaching Hospital in Cuba.
The study holds that one effective and permanent solution to obesity would involve changing our diets and increasing physical activity.

 

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