Obesity Tied to Anxiety and Depression in New Study

The results of a new scientific investigation seem to indicate that some of the medical complications that can be associated with weight gain and increasing obesity include anxiety and depression.

This is one of the first researches to document such a correlation between carrying extra weight and mental predispositions. The investigation was carried out by researches based in Australia.

Focused on middle-aged individuals, the research evidenced the fact that those with extra pound were a lot more likely than peers of normal weight to exhibit symptoms related to anxiety and depression.

For the new investigation, more than 1,200 test subjects were grouped based on their weight and mental health, and then the researchers used the group to collect physical and mental well-being data.

The Queensland-based team found that obese participants aged between 45 and 54 were very likely to report emotional problems, that at one point became debilitating, PsychCentral reports.

This means that the issues began interfering with their work and social lives to a significant degree. These population subgroup was also less likely to have felt calm, relaxed and at peace in the months leading up to the scientific study.

Obese individuals fared worse than overweight participants, which in turn did worse when it came to mental health than normal-weight people. These results were released to coincide with the beginning of the Healthy Weight Week.

Australia introduced this public health campaign in an attempt to raise awareness about the risks associated with consuming junk food, and not making healthy lifestyle choices. Events to mark the week will take place between January 23-30.

“If you’re carrying too much weight, odds on you’re more anxious or depressed than you need to be,” explains Dietitians Association of Australia spokeswoman Lisa Renn. This translates into levels of wellbeing that are lower overall.

“Losing this weight is associated with a better quality of life, improved mood, better self-esteem, and a more positive attitude to life. So eating better food and being active will help you feel healthy and happy,” she says in a statement.

The representative adds that even a 5 to 10 percent reduction in weight from individual baselines can put people in a mood that would improve their mental health, stress levels, and overall health.