This study links substantial weight gain to a high risk of having depression

Has the weight gain woes recently been impacting you? Well, its strict monitoring is required. Turns out! Excessive weight gain can put you at the risk of experiencing mental health issues such as depression.  

In a UK based study on adults who were overweight, the incidence of new cases of depression saw a significant increase. The risk of depression also rose with higher weight.

The impact of obesity on having depression
According to the study published in the journal Obesity based on the primary care records, 519,513 UK adults who were overweight or obese between 2000-2016 and followed up until 2019, the incidence of new cases of depression was 92 per 10,000 people per year.

Also, Read: Obesity is no joke. Study claims it can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes

The impact of consuming antidepressants
The study also found that antidepressants were prescribed in approximately two-thirds of adults who were overweight or obese. Prescriptions for fluoxetine dropped over time (from 20.4 % in 2000 to 8.8 % in 2018) and prescriptions for sertraline increased (from 4.3 % in 2000 to 38.9 % in 2018).

Also, Read: 5 foods that might help you fight depression without any medical intervention

How can this study impact the prescription of antidepressants?
“Our findings highlight the complex relationship between depression and obesity,” said lead author Freya Tyrer, of the University of Leicester, in the UK. “We would like to see tailored guidance on antidepressant prescribing and services that focus on both mood and behaviors to improve outcomes for these individuals.”

So Ladies, weight gain can bring along itself a domino effect. It shall create a detrimental impact on your body and bring multiple health hazards. Gaining excessive weight can create body image issues and make one perceive themselves as a ‘social embarrassment’. Although, feeling comfortable in your own skin is of utmost importance but we must become conscious that the extra weight isn’t serving us. 

Also, Read: She Slays: Nirupama’s single-minded pursuit of weight loss came at a cost. This is her story

Although we must deal with this through optimistic action. So it’s time to take necessary steps that can help you on your weight loss journey and meet the healthier and happier you!