Obesity being linked to underlying mental health issues

Team Udayavani, Apr 16, 2021, 11:37 AM IST

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It is important to learn that there is a link between obesity and mental health conditions. According to the National Mental Health Survey of India, 13.76 percent of Indians are likely to suffer from a mental disorder in their lifetime.

WHO estimates that globally except in some parts of Africa and Asia more people are obese than underweight, with nearly 40 percent of adults being overweight and one-third obese.

Both overweight and obesity are conditions that are self-diagnosable, and often self-treatable, and self-preventable.

Experts say that obesity can cause mental health problems as well as cause psychiatric disorders. Obesity is associated with an approximately 25% increase in odds of mood and anxiety disorders.

Some obesity-associated illnesses include bipolar disorder, psychosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, eating disorders, and other personality disorders. It could lead people with anxiety and depression to binge eat especially on carbohydrates in an attempt to find relief.

Initiatives are needed to raise awareness for the prevention of obesity and also create a dialogue to reduce obesity-related stigma.

Having a balanced diet to meet one’s nutritional and calorie requirements along with an active lifestyle is the key but overcoming stigma is also important to address the condition.