Can obesity be a culprit of depression?

[Erin18 143]

I'm just curious if that could be another reason why I get depressed?

[kristieshannon 1,677]

It can be part of a whole negative feedback loop. You’re depressed, spend more time in bed or on the couch or self soothing with food, so gain weight, which makes you feel worse about yourself so you isolate more. There’s a big study out of the UK that says the initial prescription for depression should be physical activity rather than medication (although meds are often necessary). It doesn’t have to be rigorous exercise, just getting out for a daily walk is a great start, or even just gentle stretching. (I’m a psych nurse)

[Erin18 143]

14 hours ago, kristieshannon said:

It can be part of a whole negative feedback loop. You’re depressed, spend more time in bed or on the couch or self soothing with food, so gain weight, which makes you feel worse about yourself so you isolate more. There’s a big study out of the UK that says the initial prescription for depression should be physical activity rather than medication (although meds are often necessary). It doesn’t have to be rigorous exercise, just getting out for a daily walk is a great start, or even just gentle stretching. (I’m a psych nurse)

I really want to get exercising again. I know it'll help. I'd also like to do yoga too. I always hear that it's great for depression. I will start doing this

[ShoppGirl 5,067]

I have bipolar disorder and WLS hasn’t really decreased the frequency or changed my severe depressive episodes but losing weight has certainly made me happier on regular days. I get out more and am able to enjoy things more outside of those episodes because I feel better about Myself (more comfortable in my own skin). As a result I feel even better at the end of the day having accomplished things. I agree that exercise helps with depression and if you are really depressed even getting outside and just sitting there helps some. They actually make lamps to simulate the sun for treatment of depression and SAD. Yoga Is a great idea.

[redhead_che 824]

I’m just starting my revision journey and I’m off my sleep and depression meds. -40lbs so far. I still have social anxiety and a scrip for that. I think seeing I have what it takes to get healthier (again) has changed my mindset. I still have down days, but I’m very pleased a daily med is not necessary anymore. Moving my body definitely gives me the endorphins I need to keep motivated. I find my joy in other things now. Thankfully things that don’t involve the couch or fridge. 😌

Although I agree with above poster, meds can be necessary and it’s no shame if they are!

[tomhanks22 4]

On 7/4/2022 at 5:53 PM, ShoppGirl said:

I have bipolar disorder and WLS hasn’t really decreased the frequency or changed my severe depressive episodes but losing weight has certainly made me happier on regular days. I get out more and am able to enjoy things more outside of those episodes because I feel better about Myself (more comfortable in my own skin). As a result I feel even better at the end of the day having accomplished things. I agree that exercise helps with depression and if you are really depressed even getting outside and just sitting there helps some. They actually make lamps to simulate the sun for treatment of depression and SAD. Yoga Is a great idea.  Strange question, yes! Imagine you weigh 150 kg and when you walk down the street, everyone looks at you, your mood disappears and depression occurs. I recently read a childhood obesity essay, you can read more about this if you want. Now, if your child is already suffering from this for 10 years, then he has very little chance of returning to a normal life. I did not invent it, such are the statistics! Don't be lazy, take care of yourself.

Is it to be treated? In any case, good luck to you!

Edited August 20, 2022 by tomhanks22

[ShoppGirl 5,067]

29 minutes ago, tomhanks22 said:

Is it to be treated? In any case, good luck to you!

Okay I have no idea how or if you intended to alter my quote but I did not say all that. Anyone reading this please refer back to my original post.

Edited August 20, 2022 by ShoppGirl