It’s no secret that being overweight can lead to health problems. But did you know that it can also be a major contributor to depression?
In fact, studies have shown that losing weight can be an effective way to overcome depression.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, read on to learn how shedding some pounds could help you feel better.
The Link Between Depression and Obesity/Overweight
Obesity and depression have a strong link. While being overweight or obese can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, social stigma, and physical limitations, it is also linked to an increased risk of depression. According to one study, obese individuals are at a 25% higher risk for developing depressive symptoms than people who are not overweight or obese.
The psychological effects of obesity and the stigma surrounding it may be part of the reason why there is such a strong connection between these two conditions. Obese individuals often experience discrimination in different areas of their life, including job opportunities, healthcare accessibility, and relationships with others. This kind of discrimination can cause feelings of despair, loneliness, worthlessness, and other mental health issues that could contribute to developing depression.
In addition to the psychological effects of obesity on mental health, there are biological causes as well. Research suggests that having excess weight changes how your body metabolizes substances like serotonin and dopamine which play an important role in regulating emotions including happiness or sadness.
Studies have also found links between hormones released during periods of stress, like cortisol, and weight gain over time. Additionally, medication used to treat depression may also cause weight gain due to metabolic side-effects which can lower the effectiveness of treatment for some patients over time.
Ways Losing Weight Can Help Alleviate Depression
Here are some of the major ways losing weight can help people escape the horrors of depression:
Reducing Stress
The stress hormone cortisol increases when people are overweight, due to the extra effort it takes for their bodies to function. By losing weight, you can reduce those cortisol levels and improve your mood.
Boosting Self-Esteem
When you’re overweight, it can be difficult to maintain a positive body image and feelings of self-worth. But as you lose weight, your confidence will increase and so too will your self-esteem, both of which are great tools for battling depression.
Improving Your Diet
Many people who struggle with obesity consume diets that are high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates like white bread, which don’t provide adequate nutrition or sustenance for good mental health. As you begin to lose weight, you’ll start eating better; introducing fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet is a great way to improve both your physical and mental health at the same time.
Increasing Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin—all hormones associated with positive feelings of satisfaction and well-being. If you take up an activity like jogging or running while trying to lose weight, chances are that not only will you feel better physically but also mentally as these “happy hormones” flood your system.
More Restful Sleep
Weight gain often leads to sleep apnea or other issues that make it hard for people to get enough restful sleep every night and not getting enough restful sleep leads to increased stress levels and fatigue during the day which exacerbates depression symptoms.
As you lose weight, however, these breathing problems usually go away (or lessen) making it easier for you to get a good night’s rest each night, which helps reduce stress levels during the day.
Steps to Lose Weight That Can Combat Depression
For those aiming to lose weight and fight off depression at the same time, it may seem like an uphill battle. But with dedication, discipline, and the right steps, you can make major strides towards improving both your physical health and mental well-being.
Here are four key steps you can take to get started on your path to a healthier life!
1. Establish a Healthy Diet Plan That Is Sustainable
The first step in your journey is establishing a healthy diet plan that is sustainable for you. This means taking into account any dietary restrictions or allergies you have as well as what foods work best for your body. Your diet should provide balanced nutrition while also being something you can stick with long-term. A great way to do this is by focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Also, aim for lots of water and herbal teas throughout the day.
2. Exercise Regularly to Raise Endorphins and Improve Overall Wellbeing
The next step is making sure that you are exercising regularly. This doesn’t necessarily mean going all out every day. It could be as simple as walking around the block or doing some yoga or stretching in the morning. Exercise helps boost endorphin levels which not only leads to improved physical health but also helps alleviate feelings of depression. It also provides a great opportunity for socializing with others if done in groups or classes.
3. Monitor Your Progress Through Goals and Milestones
In addition to having a healthy diet plan and regular exercise regimen in place, it’s important that you keep track of your progress through goals and milestones along the way. This will give you something specific to measure yourself against so that you can stay motivated throughout your journey. Additionally, tracking your progress over time will allow you to see how far you’ve come by providing tangible evidence of improvements made in various areas such as weight loss or improved energy levels due to increased activity levels.
4. Seek Professional Help When Necessary With Counseling And/Or Medication Management As Needed
Finally, don’t forget that seeking professional help is always an option when needed. Counseling can provide invaluable support while medication management can also be beneficial in certain situations if recommended by a medical professional familiar with your case history and current circumstances. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to losing weight and combating depression. What works for one person might not work for another.
Taking the necessary steps towards improving both physical health and mental well-being takes time and effort but is entirely possible with dedication and discipline following these four main points—establishing a healthy diet plan that is sustainable; exercising regularly; monitoring progress; seeking professional help when needed. Anyone looking to improve their general well-being should consider these steps as they embark on their journey towards better health.
Conclusion – The Path to a Healthier You
There are many benefits of losing weight beyond just physical appearance; improving mental health is definitely one of them.
Losing weight can reduce stress levels by decreasing cortisol production in our bodies; boost self-esteem through improved body image; introduce healthier foods into our diets; encourage us to exercise more regularly; and ensure we get enough restful sleep every night so we don’t feel exhausted during the day which could aggravate existing depression symptoms even more.
All in all, if you want a healthier mind as well as body then make sure you keep an eye on what goes on your plate. Start losing some of those excess pounds today.
