How Does Obesity Affect Mental Health?

When we consider obesity, we usually focus on how it affects our physical health, overlooking the impact that carrying extra weight could be having on our mental well-being.

Your mental health and your physical health go hand-in-hand.

For some, carrying excess weight can sometimes be linked to lower self-esteem and even feelings of depression and anxiety.

Here we discuss the effects of obesity on mental health and consider the role weight loss might play in looking after your mental wellness.

Effects Of Obesity On Mental Health

Being overweight or obese might be impacting your mental and emotional well-being in many ways, for example:

• Quality of life- carrying extra weight might make it harder for you to do everyday activities and enjoy things you love, like playing sports. For some, this could lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Additionally, chronic pain resulting from carrying excess weight might add to a lower mood.
• Discrimination- sadly, those with a higher body weight may face discrimination and bias due to negative attitudes and stereotypes prevalent in our society. Experiencing this discrimination could negatively impact your self-esteem and overall mental and emotional well-being. This could trigger worries about being unfairly judged based on weight, causing feelings of anxiety and self-consciousness.
• Poor body image- regrettably, society's attitudes towards obesity can sometimes cause embarrassment and dissatisfaction with your appearance.

Remember, struggling with weight-related challenges is common. It's essential to treat yourself and others with compassion and understanding. If you're facing emotional ups and downs related to your weight, you’re not alone. Seeking support can make a significant difference in your well-being.

Weight-loss Surgery And Mental Health

Interestingly, a recent study has explored the long-term impact that undergoing weight loss surgery might have on mental health.

The study followed 114 participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes who were randomly assigned to receive either Roux-en-Y or sleeve gastrectomy. The researchers assessed their psychological health before surgery and then every year for five years after.

The results showed both procedures led to improvements in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and physical aspects of quality of life over the five years. However, improvements in anxiety symptoms reduced over time, returning to baseline levels at five years.

While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of weight loss surgery on mental health, these results are encouraging.

Maximising Mental Health And Weight Loss

Obviously, weight loss surgery alone isn’t going to be the magic solution. Surgery is just the first step.

To maximise your weight loss following surgery, you'll receive advice and support for making lifestyle changes, including healthy dietary adjustments and increased physical activity. These changes may have a positive impact on your mental well-being.

As individuals shed excess weight, they often find themselves more able to enjoy exercise and physical activities. Regular exercise can be great for your sense of well-being.

When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins and serotonin, often called "feel-good" chemicals, which can lift your mood. Exercise can help you feel more relaxed, happy, and even confident, giving your self-esteem a positive boost. It also benefits your sleep and managing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Additionally, exercise provides a chance to get outside and interact with friends, which can combat feelings of loneliness and foster feelings of belonging and connection.

And then there’s food.

If your diet is filled with processed and unhealthy foods, your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs to function at its best. This could result in long-term inflammation and potentially increase your risk of mental illness.

Adopting a balanced diet to support your weight loss after surgery, may positively impact the well-being of both your body and mind.

How? A well-nourished, healthy body allows your mind to function optimally.

Eating well may contribute to higher energy levels, better sleep and improvements to your overall well-being, leaving you better equipped to tackle life’s challenges.

It's important to remember that mental struggles can stem from various causes and it's impossible to completely protect against them. However, combining weight loss surgery with lifestyle and mindset changes as a component of a comprehensive approach to your mental well-being, may help.

How Can Dr Lockie Help?

Weight loss surgery can serve as a stepping stone to positive change, not only in your physical health but also in your mental and emotional well-being.

Dr Lockie and his team prioritise your emotional and mental well-being, both before and after weight loss surgery.

We’re here to support you throughout your journey.

We know changing your lifestyle is challenging, so we offer unlimited support from our team, including a dietitian and psychologist. We’ll guide you on nourishing your body with the right foods and developing a positive mindset to transform your eating habits and lifestyle.

Plus, our patient support program covers essential aspects for long-term weight loss success, such as behaviour, diet, psychology and physical activity.

By addressing both your physical and mental health, we aim to support your overall well-being and enhance the success of your weight loss journey.

Book a free initial consultation today to learn more about how bariatric surgery could help you. Together, we can embark on a journey towards a healthier future.

*All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Dr Phil Lockie can consult with you to confirm if a particular treatment is right for you. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.

References

Australian Government Department of Health. (2021). About overweight and obesity. www.health.gov.au/topics/overweight-and-obesity/about

Exercise Right. (n.d). How does exercise help with mental health?. https://exerciseright.com.au/mental-health/

Food and Mood Centre, Deakin University. (n.d). Gut Microbiota and Diet. https://foodandmoodcentre.com.au/2016/07/diet-and-the-gut-microbiota/

Healthdirect Australia. (2023). Exercise and mental health. www.healthdirect.gov.au/exercise-and-mental-health

Heart Foundation. (n.d.). Benefits of Physical Activity. www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-health-education/benefits-of-physical-activity

Murton, L. M., Plank, L. D., Cutfield, R., Kim, D., Booth, M. W. C., Murphy, R., & Serlachius, A. (2023). Bariatric Surgery and Psychological Health: A Randomised Clinical Trial in Patients with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. Obesity Surgery, 33(6), 1536-1544. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-023-06537-y

National Council on Aging. (2021). How Excess Weight Impacts Our Mental and Emotional Health. https://ncoa.org/article/how-excess-weight-impacts-our-mental-and-emotional-health

Queensland Government. (2023). Healthy Body, Healthy, Mind. www.mentalwellbeing.initiatives.qld.gov.au/the-building-blocks/get-healthy