Obesity 'leads to depression'
People who are obese are not only putting their physical wellbeing at risk, but may also be in danger of suffering from mental problems, it has been claimed.
According to a report from Diabetes UK, people who have gastric band surgery to lose weight are at risk of low self-esteem, relationship problems and being dissatisfied with their body image.
The research has been presented at the Diabetes UK Annual Professional Conference and found that people who had a gastric band fitted reported significant health benefits such as improved blood glucose levels and lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, but living with the band had a strong, negative psychological impact on their daily lives.
Chrissie Palmer, director of the British Obesity Surgery Patients Association, said that depression can certainly be a side-effect of obesity.
She explained: "The band is a tool, which if used effectively, can make a significant impact on a person's obesity. However, obesity isn't just about what food choices we make, it's about our relationship which is usually unhealthy with food."
The expert added that depression and other psychological disorders, such as body dimorphic, are becoming more common because as people lose weight, they are unlocked from a "fat prison" and can talk about feelings and relationships.
She added: "Bariatric patients should be able to access appropriate psychological services should they need them at any stage of their weight loss journey."
The healthcare study said that having a gastric band was as hard as having to diet and that losing the opportunity to eat as a coping strategy left people struggling to contend with distressing life events.
Ms Palmer concluded that people who do have a gastric band fitted should have lifestyle help at the same time to ensure that they can cope with it.
Posted by James McCann
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