Fat But Happy Is The Exception

Depression, Obesity Go Hand in Hand by Tom Harrison

People who are "fat but happy" are likely the exception rather than the rule. Obesity and depression, as well as a range of other mental disorders, are linked, according to new research published in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

In a two-year survey funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, a team of U.S. researchers evaluated more than 9,000 subjects with an average age of 45. Using a World Health Organization interview, they diagnoses a range of mental illnesses including major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia and substance abuse.

Correlation with Education, Income Levels

They found that obesity -- defined as a body mass index, of 30 or higher -- was associated with a 25 percent increase in the likelihood of major depression, bipolar disorder and panic disorder.

Although the risk of depression over a lifetime is about 20 percent, the study indicated that it is 28 percent among people who are obese, a statistically significant difference.

The link between obesity and mental illness was most pronounced among those who were more educated and had higher incomes. The association may be as high as 44 percent among individuals who had attended some college, according to the research. No significant differences between the sexes were found.

The study sparked debate over the chicken-and-egg question of which comes first -- obesity or mental illness. One expert suggested that the two conditions perpetuate one another.

Shorter Lifespans Ahead?

Increased desire to eat and weight gain are common symptoms of depression. Also, medications prescribed for depression or anxiety disorders can encourage weight gain.

It is well established that loss of self-esteem associated with the stigma of obesity can contribute to depression, especially among women. Another possibility is that an independent cause (or causes) -- such as child abuse, for example -- may influence the risk of both obesity and depression, the researchers speculated.

In addition to the greater risk of psychological problems, the obesity epidemic in the U.S. places an ever-growing number of people at risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes hypertension, arthritis, kidney disease and cancer.

If left unchecked, health experts fear it could lead to a general decline in life expectancy.

Copyright 2006 Tom Harrison is a health journalist for Daily News Central, an online publication that delivers breaking news and reliable health information to consumers, healthcare providers and industry professionals.