Weight loss improves physical health but takes toll on mental health

Weight loss improves physical health but takes toll on mental health -

weight loss significantly improves physical health, but the effects on mental health are less simple, find new UCL research funded by Cancer research UK.

in a study of 1,979 adults overweight and obese in the UK, people who lost 5% or more of their initial body weight over four years showed significant changes in markers of physical health but were more likely to report depressive mood than those who remained within 5% of their initial weight.

The research, published in PLOS ONE , highlights the need to consider mental health to physical health side during weight loss. It has been shown that clinical trials of weight loss to improve the mood of the participants, but it could be the result of the environment rather than weight loss itself, the effects are observed early in treatment and are not related to the measurement of the weight loss.

It is important to note that this new result does not mean that weight loss necessarily mean depression directly, such as depression and weight loss may share a common cause. However, it shows that weight loss outside the framework of the clinical trial can be expected to improve mood and raises questions about the psychological impact of weight loss.

The data are from the Longitudinal Study of Aging, a British study of English adults aged 50 years or more, and excluded participants with a diagnosis of clinical depression or debilitating illness. Depressed mood and overall well-being were assessed using standard questionnaires and weight was measured by trained nurses.

Among the 1,979 overweight and obese participants, 278 (14%) have lost at least 5% of their initial body weight with a mean weight loss of 6.8 kg per person. Before adjusting serious health problems and major life events such as bereavement, which can cause weight loss and depressed mood, people who lost weight were 78% more likely to report mood depressed. After controlling for these, the increased likelihood of depressed mood remained significant at 52%.

"We do not want to discourage anyone from trying to lose weight, which has enormous physical benefits, but people should not expect weight loss to instantly improve all aspects of life" says lead author Dr Sarah Jackson (UCL epidemiology and public health). "Aspirational Advertising by diet brands can give people unrealistic expectations about weight loss. They often promise improvements instant life, can not be supported in the reality for many people. people should be realistic about weight loss and be ready for the challenges.

"Resist the ever present temptation of unhealthy food in modern society takes a mental toll, because it requires considerable commitment and may involve missing out on enjoyable activities. Anyone who has ever been on a diet would be to understand how this could affect welfare. However, the mood may improve once target weight is reached and the focus is on weight maintenance. Our data only cover a period of four years and it would be interesting to see how the mood changes once people settle into their lower weight.

"Health professionals should monitor the mental and physical health of patients when recommending or respond to weight loss, and provide support if necessary. People trying to lose weight should be aware of the challenges and do not be afraid to ask for support, be it friends, family or health professionals. "

lead author Professor Jane Wardle, director of the health Behaviour Centre Cancer Research UK to UCL, said: ". A recent survey in the UK found that 60% of adults overweight and obese in the UK are trying to lose weight There are obvious advantages in terms of physical health, which our study confirmed those lost weight obtained a blood pressure reduction and serum triglycerides .. significantly reduce the risk of heart disease However, patients and physicians should be aware that there is no immediate psychological advantage and there may be an increased risk of depression. "