(BlackDoctor.org) -- “I’m fat because I’m depressed. I’m depressed because I’m fat.” This is a real-life riddle, only there’s nothing funny about it. Further, the medical community has debated the connection of between obesity and depression, arriving at various conclusions. Where we’re at today is that current research and studies have shown that the two tend to feed off each other in a painful, self-destructive cycle.

• Obesity causes depression. Studies have shown that obese people are about 25% percent more likely to experience a mood disorder like depression compared with those who are not obese. Obesity can cause poor self-image, low self-esteem and social isolation, all known contributors to depression. Those who are obese can also find themselves ostracized, stereotyped and discriminated against. The extra weight carried around can result in chronic joint pain as well as serious diseases like diabetes and hypertension, all of which have been linked to depression.

• Depression causes obesity. A study of adolescents in Cincinnati found that teenagers with symptoms of depression were more likely to become obese within the next year. The study also found that kids who were borderline obese and depressed became substantially obese over the following year. People experiencing depression are more likely to overeat or make poor food choices, avoid exercising and become more sedentary. Researchers have found that depressed people with decreased levels of the hormone serotonin also have a tendency toward obesity—they tend to eat in an attempt to self-medicate and restore their serotonin levels to normal.

• Depression and obesity share common risk factors. Some factors apparently can trigger both obesity and depression. Belonging to a lower socioeconomic class and not participating in physical activity increases risk for developing either condition.

Attacking Both Fronts

As doctors attempt to understand the link between depression and obesity, they are working toward treating both conditions in a way that will produce overall optimal results that last.

• Depression: Successfully treating depression can be much easier than successfully treating obesity, so doctors recommend that those with depressive symptoms—especially adolescents —seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment can include psychotherapy, antidepressants or a combination of both.

• Obesity: A study of people who underwent bariatric surgery (removal of part of the stomach and small intestines to enable weight loss) for their obesity found that as they shed pounds, they also shed their depression. A year after surgery, the subjects had experienced an average of a 77% loss of excess body weight, and an accompanying 18% average reduction in symptoms of depression. Younger people, women and those who experienced greater weight-loss results were more likely to feel less depressed.

These results indicate that a team approach might be best for dealing with depression and obesity. Your family physician can help craft a plan of diet and exercise that will lead to healthy weight loss. You might want to bring in a nutritionist or personal trainer to help you better follow your physician’s weight-loss plan. At the same time, a psychologist or psychiatrist can help you handle your feelings of depression and confront the stress, anxiety or other triggers that could be leading to your depression and obesity. Finally, you may also benefit from the use of antidepressants.

By Syleena Johnson, BDO Staff Writer