subject: Obesity And Mental Health Considered To Be "double Epidemic" [print this page] Experts in Canada have observed that physical activity and mental health are deeply correlated. There is a positive association between the level of physical activity and general well-being. While weight problems cannot be directly associated with mental illness, studies have shown that at 66% of those with weight issues have at least one type of mental health disorder. Some doctors have said that obesity and mental health are so deeply intertwined that they can be considered to be a double epidemic.
More than half of Canadas adult population is either overweight or obese. This trend is fast catching up amongst teenagers and even children. To address this social evil, various Vancouver weight loss programs have mushroomed. While there is a lot of focus on diet and exercises, there is not enough emphasis on improving the mental health of children and adults in society. And this is largely responsible for the rising obesity epidemic.
Psychiatrists say mental health issues are the reason behind obesity. A lot of drugs such as anti-depressants, mood stabilizers etc. that are being prescribed to Canadians lately result in dramatic weight gain. These are drugs to address depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, post traumatic stress, addictions etc. and cause drastic changes in appetite, energy levels and body metabolism. To counter the effects of such drugs in Vancouver, weight loss drives are being encouraged.
The International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders conducted a study amongst adults 20-64 years of age and children from 7- 13 years of age, and the results indicated dramatic increase in prevalence of overweight and obesity in Canada over the last decade. Alarmingly, the problem is particularly pronounced among children. The issue of obesity has not been addressed proactively and that is the reason why Canada as a nation is not getting anywhere in terms of battling the obesity epidemic.
The relationship between obesity and mental health work simultaneously. Fatty tissues produce a stress hormone called cortisol and inflammatory chemicals, both of which have a bearing to mental health. Cortisol has adverse effects on the functioning of the brain and makes one more vulnerable to depression. Conversely, people with depression produce Cortisol and the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry has reported that one of the effects of Cortisol in the body is the propensity to accumulate fat around the abdomen.
The food industry with its plethora of choices has aided in the spread of this epidemic. Added to this most people make impulsive choices making them amenable to gaining weight. Mood and sleep also have a direct bearing on weight issues. While metabolism is affected by ones mood, depression causes changes in ones appetite and energy levels. Also depression disrupts the sleep cycle. Contrary to belief, lack of sleep causes one to stay awake and feel hungry. Thus in a not so long winded way, mental issues result in weight issues.
Psychiatrists have also discovered links between adult obesity and childhood abuse, primarily sexual abuse. Violated children blame themselves and often want to change the way they look, thus indulging in unhealthy food habits.
