Depression & Weight Loss

Depression causes both physical and mental problems such as chronic aches and pains, sadness and feelings of helplessness. When appetite is affected in more severe cases of depression, the person is apt to lose weight. On the other hand, in an overweight patient suffering from depression, weight loss can potentially result in a decrease in depression. Weight loss in depression is influenced by factors such as age, severity, weight and the use of antidepressants.

Types

Depression can cause a decrease in appetite, which causes the person to lose weight. If it is a short term, or mild, the weight will return once the depression dissipates. But if depression is chronic and continues beyond a few months, then it is considered more severe and weight loss more significant. For example, in cases of bulimia and anorexia nervosa (eating disorders that result in depriving the body of food and nutrients) where chronic depression is present, psychiatric interventions are necessary.

Medication

If depression is interfering with a person's ability to function for an extended period of time, it is considered clinical depression and medication is often prescribed. Medication can alter weight. Some newer antidepressant medications, SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), such as Cymbalta, Ludiomil and Nardil, are associated with weight gain. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), such as Prozac and Wellbutrin, can cause a slight decrease in weight during treatment and then a slight gain afterwards (which could be associated with the decrease in depression). No long-term studies after the therapy have been done to identify weight gain or loss.

Obesity

Obesity increases a person's chance of becoming depressed. Repeated teasing and criticism causes a person to eat more and gain weight. Low energy, overeating, and feelings of negativity are associated with depression. Treating depression with exercise, stress reduction and diet encourages weight loss and a decrease in depression.

Signs

Weight loss can be the first indicator that a person is depressed. The signs of depression are subtle, especially in younger children and adolescents, and so it can go unnoticed. It could be after a move or a divorce that a parent notices his child refusing food at the table, and clothes becoming too big that once fit.

Considerations

Weight loss can either decrease or increase depression. Long-term healthy habits of eating right, exercising and keeping fit are good ideas to continue for a lifetime. When your weight fluctuates too much, you increase your chances of depression. Clinical depression can't always be prevented, but there are ways to diminish the degree of it by keeping a healthy mind and body.