Increased risk of psychological and social problems
There are bi-directional associations between mental health problems and obesity, with levels of obesity, gender, age and socioeconomic status being key risk factors. Overweight and obese people can suffer from stress, low self-esteem, social disadvantage, depression and reduced libido.
- The mental health of women is more closely affected by overweight and obesity than that of men.
- There is strong evidence to suggest an association between obesity and poor mental health in teenagers and adults. This evidence is weaker for younger children.
- The perception of being obese appears to be more predictive of mental disorders than actual obesity in both adults and children (although the relationships between actual body weight, self-perception of weight and weight stigmatisation are complex and vary across cultures, age and ethnic groups).
- Weight stigma increases vulnerability to depression, low self-esteem, poor body image, maladaptive eating behaviours and exercise avoidance.
- There is an urgent need for evaluations of weight management interventions, both in terms of weight loss and psychological benefits.
- Intervention strategies should consider both the physical and mental health of patients. It has been recommended that care providers should monitor the weight of depressive patients and, similarly, in overweight or obese patients, mood should be monitored. This awareness could lead to prevention, early detection, and co-treatment for people at risk, ultimately reducing the burden of both conditions.