Obesity in today’s youth can’t solely be attributed to overeating and lack of exercise. It is important we understand that excessive weight gain can be influenced by heredity and familial behavior. Even Psych 101 tells us overeating can be a behavioral problem.

In a reputable piece published by Medical News Today, doctors from the University of Adelaide linked obesity directly with depression. Specifically, Dr. Evan Atlantis goes on to state “Although the topic is largely unexplored, several psychosocial, lifestyle and physiological factors may be involved in the complex inter-relationship between obesity and mental illness…”

Subsequent feelings of low self esteem, low self worth, and guilt often contribute greatly to a person’s every day eating habits. Dr. Atlantis goes on with stating, “Obesity may constitute a chronic stressful state, which in turn can cause significant physiological dysfunction. Such dysfunction would then predispose individuals to depressed mood and associated symptoms.” Ultimately, this dysfunction would activate the endocannabinoid system, which in turn, increases appetite and may all together alleviate depression.

Some of the most comment causes of obesity in the world today are:

• Diet
• Lifestyle
• Metabolism
• Genetics/Heredity
• Emotions
• Lack of Sleep
• Medications
• Diseases

This domino affect allows many people to dig themselves holes; leading to weight gain and depression. It’s not an easy task to eliminate excessive fat due to depressive symptoms.

Concurrently, the person finds him/herself having to overcome depression AND lose weight. As challenging as a task this may sound, people still have options.

This condition that already produces several health problems that cause many to seek help via weight-loss procedures from centers like MetropolitanMD (a Chicago liposuction and cosmetic surgery center that employs some of the best plastic surgeons Chicago has to offer). However, before consulting with a surgeon, individuals should look to natural weight loss practices, such as exercise and diet.

Instinctively enough, those who suffer from depressive systems tend to be inactive, which in turn leads to weight problems. It’s important to remember to stay as active as possible; this includes more than simply going for a run four days a week. Engaging in every day conversation with friends, family, and coworkers is great way to avoid depression. This would fall directly under lifestyle, but can directly affect one’s mood.

Mood swings are common for those suffering with depression and can be caused by a lack of communication and relationships with others. Remember, the easiest way to stay healthy is to surround one’s self with healthy people, subsequently creating a much healthier environment to live in.

Behavioral traits have a tendency to spread like wildfire within a group, so it’s greatly important to remove yourself from an unhealthy situation. It’s equally important to pay close attention to any type of medication that you may be on; side effects could potentially lead to disease, lack of sleep or a sudden change in diet. Moreover, this could all lead to an increase in weight.

Emotional stability is important in any person’s life, and will directly affect their lifestyle. Combined with the above, this has the potential to be a lethal underlying cause for obesity. It’s quite easy to notice the correlation amongst the causes/symptoms of depression and obesity. The best way to avoid this growing epidemic is to take preventative action. Remember to stay healthy and help promote healthy habits by influencing others to do the same.

Rachelle Holmes of plastic surgeons Chicago, MetropolitanMD