Depression and obesity can occur together. Here’s what you need to know.

People with depression or anxiety may experience weight changes due to their condition or the medications they take to treat their condition.

For some people, depression or anxiety can lead to overeating, making food choices that can contribute to weight gain, like ultra-processed foods, and not getting physical activity. Over time, weight gain may lead to obesity.

According to 2017 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey results, 42.5% of U.S. adults have obesity. Older data from the same survey states that adults with depression are more likely to have obesity than adults without depression.

Likewise, children living with depression may have a higher body mass index (BMI) than children who don’t have depression. In one 2013 review of 14 studies, researchers found that children with depression were more likely to develop obesity in adulthood.

Obesity may be associated with mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. A 2010 review found that people with obesity had a 55% greater risk of developing depression over the course of their life than people who didn’t have obesity.

Obesity and other weight conditions can also lead to physical health problems, such as:

These conditions are also risk factors for depression.

Stress is another factor in both depression and obesity.

Chronic stress and anxiety, for example, can lead to depression. Likewise, stress may make someone more likely to use food as a coping mechanism. That can lead to weight gain.

On the other hand, stress can also lead to weight loss. For example, stress can affect appetite or cause digestive upset that can, in turn, lead to weight loss. It’s also possible for stress to lead to disordered eating habits.

In adolescents with obesity, stressful life events — like bullying and weight-based teasing — have been linked to depression. However, weight-based stigma is a social problem that contributes to depression in people of all ages.

Stress reduction is one of the first-line treatments for both depression and obesity. When our stress and anxiety levels are lower, we can work toward managing other factors that can lead to depression and obesity.

It’s not clear how this cycle of obesity and depression turns, but it’s understood that obesity can increase your risk of depression and vice versa.

In fact, many doctors approach treatment for these conditions with a multipronged approach. In addition to treating the condition that’s been diagnosed, many care plans include preventive measures to reduce your risk of related conditions.

The goal is to address the physical and emotional needs associated with each condition.

Many prescription antidepressants list weight gain as a common side effect.

Likewise, some weight-management therapies can lead to mood changes that can cause or worsen depression. A “diet” has a lot of opportunities for setbacks. This can challenge a person who’s already managing mental health issues.

Additionally, engaging in diet culture could lead to feelings of depression in people who aren’t already experiencing mental health challenges.

Depression and obesity are both chronic conditions that require long-term care and attention.

Keeping an open line of communication with your doctor, regardless of whether you’re sticking to your care plan, can help your doctor understand and monitor your underlying condition. This can help your doctor treat your condition better.

However, if you’re feeling judged by your doctor about your mental health- or weight-related challenges, you don’t need to continue seeing them. Find a doctor you trust.

Sudden, dramatic changes to your routine are often unsustainable and may lead to additional problems. They may also set you up for failure, which can worsen your symptoms.

If you experience these red-flag symptoms or side effects, make an appointment to visit your doctor and review your course of treatment:

  • loss of all interest or pleasure in activities you typically enjoy
  • an inability to leave your house or bed
  • irregular sleeping pattern changes
  • feeling very tired and having difficulty functioning
  • weight gain

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Prevention strategies for obesity and depression are different, but several do overlap. You can reduce your chance for either condition if you:

  • stay active
  • talk with a therapist
  • follow your treatment plans

Staying active

Physical activity is a great way to boost depression-fighting endorphins, manage weight, and feel better overall.

A 2023 study looked into this. Researchers found that study participants with depression who did aerobic exercise, like walking, running, or bicycling, at least once a week experienced significant improvement in depression symptoms.

That said, exercising with depression can be challenging due to a lack of motivation. Taking small steps first — like 10 minutes of daily movement — may help you get in the habit of exercising regularly.

Talking with someone

Therapy can be a wonderful approach for many issues. From depression to obesity, a therapist or psychiatrist can help you process the emotional factors behind both conditions.

They can also help you embrace changes that will improve your quality of life.

Sticking with your treatment plan

If your doctor has diagnosed either condition, they’ve likely prescribed medication, dietary changes, or made other suggestions for managing your condition.

Sticking to these guidelines — and being transparent when you hit a speed bump — can help minimize side effects and other complications.

Obesity and depression are both risk factors for several other conditions, including:

Following a tailored treatment plan can help you prevent these conditions.

For example, treating depression may help you restore energy and vigor for activities. That can encourage you to stay active. Regular physical activity also improves your overall health regardless of whether it leads to weight loss.

Your individual care plan will depend on where you are in your health journey and where you’d like to be. It may start with small changes and become more comprehensive over time, or you and your doctor may decide to incorporate one big change at once.

Getting a diagnosis and beginning treatment can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone.

Your doctor is your best resource for information. They can work with you to find the best treatments for your individual needs, help you create a healthier lifestyle, and hold you accountable for the changes you seek.

It can take time, but change and relief are possible. Find a doctor now.