Depression is often thought of as a mental condition, but it has many physical side effects, including changes in weight. Because each person experiences depression uniquely, the relationship between weight and depression can vary. It is common for someone with depression to gain weight. Although not as common, unintended weight loss is also a complication of depression. In addition, an overweight person has a higher risk for depression.
Depression and Weight Gain
Many people cope with their emotions by adopting poor eating habits. Combine that with a lack of energy and motivation, which usually means less physical activity, and it is easy to see how weight gain occurs. Furthermore, a potential side effect of most antidepressants is weight gain.
Fortunately, one activity that helps you avoid weight gain also helps with depression. Exercise, even mild activity, is necessary to both physical and mental health. Studies have shown that a consistent exercise regimen is as good or better than prescription medication for treating depression.
What you eat can also have a great effect on your weight. Combined with regular exercise, a low-fat diet rich in lean meats, fruits, vegetables, fish, beans, and whole grains can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Diets heavy in processed foods, saturated fats, and refined sugars—all of which can cause weight gain—can increase the risk of developing of depression symptoms.
Depression and Weight Loss
Weight loss due to a lack of appetite and interest in eating is a problem for some people dealing with depression. Although the problems seem opposite, the solutions are similar for dealing with weight gain and weight loss. Getting help from a mental health professional, eating a healthy diet, and getting some form of exercise are the best ways to provide relief.
Another solution to weight loss might be switching antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help modulate brain activity and improve mood by regulating the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which also affects appetite. Improved serotonin levels can help improve appetite and thus lead to a healthier weight.
What the Expert Says
“Significant weight change is one of the most common symptoms of depression,” says Dr. Jacqueline Cleland, a licensed clinical psychologist who practices in Leesburg, Va. “Getting regular exercise and watching what you eat will help you maintain a healthy weight whether you take an antidepressant or not.”
