The Hidden Link: How Depression Can Tip The Scale Towards Weight Gain
Depression begins with disappointment. When disappointment festers in our soul, it leads to discouragement.
Joyce Meyer
Living with depression can simply be a real challenge. This may involve not wanting to do anything or may even escalate to the point when you don't wish to leave the house. Many people turn to eat too much rather than too little in this situation. This may be because life holds little to no hope and you seek comfort in food.
Depression impacts individuals in various ways. While some may lose weight due to a lack of appetite, others might gain weight instead. If you are experiencing depression and facing weight gain, along with difficulty in losing excess weight, several reasons contribute to it.
Coping with depression can be tough, and it is wise to seek assistance. Knowing how this emotion can cause weight gain could be useful.
Less Motivation
Depression can make you feel less motivated which might keep you at home instead of being active. Depression can make you feel less motivated which might keep you at home instead of being active.
However, staying inactive won't help you lose weight, and might even lead you to gain weight. Depression can prevent you from enjoying life, so it's essential to seek help. Neglecting regular daily tasks can lead to long-term weight gain if left untreated.
What Is Depression?
TIP: Feeling depressed may decrease the amount of motivation you have. It may rob you of your ability to enjoy life, and this should be treated.
Not Exercising
Depression may reduce your motivation to exercise. However, taking a walk or going to the gym when you're feeling good can help you burn calories.
Not exercising can make you stay home and avoid your normal activities. It's beneficial to contemplate exercising if you're depressed because it might make you feel better.
Before beginning an exercise program to help combat depression, it's important to check with your doctor to make sure you're in good health.
Cortisol
Cortisol is a stress hormone that is supposed to help in times of stress by giving you energy. However, if cortisol is released at high levels for extended periods of time, as with depression, it can cause problems, including weight gain.
Cortisol causes you to desire food that has large amounts of calories and carbohydrates but lacks nutritional value. This type of food is detrimental to weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight.
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Depression Medication
Those who take medication for depression may put on weight. These medicines are effective in helping those who suffer from depression, but one downside is often weight gain. You should talk to your doctor about the weight gain and explore whether switching to another medication can help.
Gaining weight whilst feeling depressed can be difficult. It's vital to find ways to overcome this period in life, if possible. One good way to achieve this is by carefully assessing the advantages linked with taking medicine.
Those Who Take Medication For Depression May Put On Weight
Nutrition
People suffering from depression are often low in certain nutrients. These include omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins that are important in metabolising food you eat. Taking vitamin supplements and eating a diet rich in these nutrients may help.
The Bottom Line
Depression can cause weight gain, but you can prevent it. Talk to your doctor about the side effects of your medication. Eat a balanced diet, and keep healthy snacks nearby to avoid reaching for sugary and carb-loaded foods that lead to weight gain.
Meditation is beneficial in preventing the release of excess cortisol and helps you stay calm in stressful situations. Other relaxation techniques can also be helpful. Regular exercise is vital as it not only enhances well-being but also promotes the burning of calories and fat.
Losing or sustaining weight requires a multi-dimensional strategy involving food, nutrition, and physical activity. Additionally, learning how to deal with stressful events at work or home through relaxation techniques is critical.
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FAQ
Depression can affect your weight because it changes how you eat and how physically active you are. Many people with depression may feel hungrier than usual, which can cause them to put on weight.
Cortisol, often termed the "stress hormone", escalates during periods of depression. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to increased storage of abdominal body fat and overall weight gain.
Gaining weight solely in your stomach may be the result of specific lifestyle choices. The two S's — stress and sugar — play a significant role in the size of your midsection. Certain medical conditions and hormonal changes can contribute to abdominal weight gain.
The body has a system of hormonal checks and balances that may actually promote weight gain when you're stressed out. Therefore, chronic stress, or poorly managed stress, may lead to elevated cortisol levels that stimulate your appetite, with the end result being weight gain or difficulty losing unwanted pounds.
Some foods lead to the most weight gain or weight loss. Potato chips top the list of foods that cause weight gain, followed by potatoes, sugar-sweetened beverages, unprocessed red meats, and processed meats. Foods that lead to weight loss include yogurt, nuts, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables.
In the context of dieting and weight loss, this means that if you restrict your food intake too drastically, your body will simply decrease its metabolic rate, so it is burning fewer calories. One of the biggest reasons people gain weight is simply NOT eating enough food!
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I really loved this article because being a coach in the health and fitness industry for over 16 years, it’s literally last year I discovered the link between depression and weight gain. Since tackling the depression and emotional triggers first I’ve found I can deliver results way faster than before. Great article 👍🏿
Thank you, Rasheed. I hope it helps!