Unraveling the weight of emotions: a comprehensive review of the interplay between depression and obesity

Aleksandra Ziółkowska; Szymon Wojtaszek; Bogdan Fels

doi:10.56782/pps.234

Published : 2024-10-18

Vol. 22 No. 4 (2024)

Unraveling the weight of emotions: a comprehensive review of the interplay between depression and obesity

Aleksandra Ziółkowska

Szymon Wojtaszek

Bogdan Fels

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.234

Abstract

Obesity is an excessive or abnormal accumulation of fat or adipose tissue in the body. This disease impairs health in a variety of mechanisms, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cancers, but also depression. This article aims to summarise the latest information on the correlation between depression and obesity, to make the problem more widespread, to highlight the many implications of this disease, and to encourage healthy living. Based on the existing research, we present several potential mechanisms that may link the two phenomena.Obesity and depression co-occur to a significant extent. This is linked to endocrine and immune system disorders, but also pathological psychological and social mechanisms. A review of the literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline (1996-2024) was conducted. The articles were selected based on specific keywords and then evaluated for their significance and suitability for inclusion in this review. Obesity is a complex disease leading to many health implications including depression. Treatment of both conditions is extremely important and requires a multidisciplinary approach, including pharmacological treatment, dietary counseling, psychological counseling, and lifestyle modification. Early implementation of appropriate treatment is essential to optimize treatment outcomes.

Keywords:

obesity, depression, weight loss

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Ziółkowska, A., Szymon Wojtaszek, & Bogdan Fels. (2024). Unraveling the weight of emotions: a comprehensive review of the interplay between depression and obesity. Prospects in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 22(4), 25–30. https://doi.org/10.56782/pps.234

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