Overweight might cause depression, says a study

A new study has proved that being overweight causes depression and lowers well-being. The findings of the study were published in the journal ‘Human Molecular Genetics’.

The study added that both social and physical factors might play a role in the effect.

The study sought to investigate why a body of evidence now indicates that higher BMI causes depression.

Lead author Jess O’Loughlin, at the University of Exeter Medical School, said, “Obesity and depression are both major global health challenges, and our study provides the most robust evidence to date that higher BMI causes depression. Understanding whether physical or social factors are responsible for this relationship can help inform effective strategies to improve mental health and wellbeing.”

O’Loughlin added, “Our research suggests that being fatter leads to a higher risk of depression, regardless of the role of metabolic health. This suggests that both physical health and social factors, such as social stigma, both play a role in the relationship between obesity and depression.”

Lead author Dr Francesco Casanova, of the University of Exeter Medical School, said, “This is a robust study, made possible by the quality of UK Biobank data. Our research adds to a body of evidence that being overweight causes depression. Finding ways to support people to lose weight could benefit their mental health as well as their physical health.”