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The Obesity-Depression Link
By Jason Bosley-Smith, CSCS, FDN on 09/08/2011
The association between obesity and depression has been well-established, with several studies examining the correlation. Some research suggests that there is a direct relationship—obesity can lead to depression and vice versa. A study by researchers from the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands found a strong link with obese individuals having a 55% increased risk of developing depression, and those with depression experiencing a 58% increased risk of becoming obese.
What one singular treatment could help improve both? Exercise.
We all know that exercise is an integral component in creating a positive change in weight and obesity, but depression? A study by Duke University aimed to assess the effectiveness of an aerobic exercise program compared to standard medications in older depression patients. The results: “after 16 weeks of treatment exercise was equally effective in reducing depression among patients with clinical depression,” researchers concluded.
Exercise boosts mood and triggers the release of “feel good” hormones such as serotonin. In addition to this physiological response, exercise, particularly in a group or social setting, provides a sense of camaraderie and interaction that benefits mood. Even a basic walking program can produce significant improvements to how you feel, in a relatively brief period of time; in fact, the resulting hormone release is almost immediate! Exercising to lift your spirits is good, but consistency is the real key to successfully incorporating exercise as a means of maintaining a long-term, mood-boosting effect.
For anyone that’s overweight or obese, exercise is vital to improving both weight and mood—the two truly go hand-in-hand. If you are depressed, anxious, and unmotivated, chances are you’re not getting off the couch to go for a walk or head to the gym. Without exercise and movement, the chances for success with weight management decrease.
It’s clear that we can use exercise to “kill two birds with one stone” so to speak. Begin with the basics and as exercise becomes an established habit, take note of not only how much you weigh, but how much better you feel. Keep a journal that cites your mood before and after exercise sessions, and from your start point (day 1) to somewhere 4-6 weeks into your program. Chances are you’ll not only feel better on the outside, but on the inside as well.
Related articles of interest:
When your depression meds fail, try this secret mood booster
Yoga improves mood, reduces inflammation & relieves diseases
Hormone Havoc: From Hunter-Gatherer to Desk Jockey
References:
Archives of General Psychiatry 2010; 67 [3], 220-229
Archives of Internal Med. 1999;159:2349-2356.
Printer-friendly versionAbout the author
Jason is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist. Through his Lifestyle Coaching, he works to enhance the quality of his client's lives and overall health.
Jason's areas of specialization include functional training, core training, postural improvement & corrective exercise, nutrition/supplementation, and integrative/natural health. Jason's ultimate mission for TheFitRx.com is to provide a platform that empowers individuals to improve the way they feel, function, look and live.
Follow Jason on twitter @JasonBosleySmthand learn more about his online training/coaching platform at www.thefitrx.com.
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Comments
Shirley Gekler
Jason:
Thank you for reminding us that a simple walking program helps whether our problems are with additional pounds, depression, or for anyone who has been diagnoised as being diabetic, so walking really is for almost everyone. Such a simple action that does so much good and when this has become the custom, you feel a real difference whether you are walking regularly or if you have missed a few days.
I will vote for exercise vs medication any day.
Shirley Gekler
Boomer12k
But why deal with symptoms when you can know and handle stress and other negative conditions AT THE SOURCE?
What if you did not have to take anything for Stress, Anxiety and even Depression? What if these conditions had the same mechanism and were not just chemical? WHAT IF IT WAS SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE, AND VERY INEXPENSIVE?
There is a NEWLY discovered technique for negative emotional states. It is described in a book and DVD titled, "Happiness Is No Charge”.
This website gives details and shows where to get the book and DVD.
www.feelbetter.co.nr
This is a Personal Therapy, no practitioner is needed. There is no DIET TO FOLLOW!!! Negative emotions can be stopped, many times in just a few minutes. That is CORRECT, MINUTES!!!!
Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Irritation, Frustration, Suppression, Repression, Compulsion, Obsessions, habits, can either get relief or even disappear, as well as other negative mental states. Interestingly enough, they all have the same mechanism in the mind!!!! That is why the same technique can work for each one!!!!! NEW DISCOVERY!!!!!
The technique is a simple 1, 2, 3, step technique and can actually be learned from the concept behind it, to the technique itself in about FIVE MINUTES!!!!!
No kidding, I have been doing the technique for over to two and a half years now! I have used it on all of the above conditions, emotional or otherwise. It has stopped somethings cold. It has relieved other things so they are less. Even some physical effects from my stroke have been relieved. The pressure behind my right eye was relieved and vanished!!! I still had that pressure even going to the Chiropractor and doing Cranial Adjustments. IT WAS A PSYCHOLOGICAL REMNANT!!! That is why it vanished. Even with a chemical problem because of having no thyroid, (Grave's Disease since 2002), it works and you are back to calm. Because the above conditions are not just chemical. Depression is a RESULT!!! NOT A CAUSE!!!! Get rid of they psychological CAUSE of the Depression and it can be alleviated. The chemistry is JUST A REACTION!!!!!!! In other words, it is just a symptom!!!!!! Get to the source of the problem. Treat that, it will disappear regardless of the chemistry!!!!!! I know, I have out chemistry.....
Well worth your time checking it out!
Be Well and Happy.
Steve
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