Thread: Things That Contribute to Depression and Weight Gain

Stress is a major contributor for depression and weight gain. When stress our level rises to an unhealthy rate, we go into "fight or flight" mode. When our body struggles with this condition, it relases to mush cortisol in our bloodstream that causes increase in appetite. So it is common for people to eat when they feel anxious or tired because food gives them comfort.

Another side effect of depression and weight gain is insomnia. When you have trouble getting to sleep at night, wake up frequently, have trouble falling back to sleep and rise long before your alarm is scheduled to go off, you are not getting the sleep your body needs. To lose weight, you need to get plenty of sleep.

Cold weather also affects depression and weight gain because you tend to be lazy so you burn fewer calories. In addition, a lack of sunlight (over an extended period of time) can cause Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). When you experience SAD, you tend to sleep more, feel fatigued, crave carbs and have an increased appetite. These things also contribute to your expanding waistline.

Here are some advice for people who suffer from depression and weight gain:

Serotonin is the brain chemical which helps us stay happy. Eating carbohydrates helps to increase serotonin levels. This is why we sometimes crave carbo foods when we are depressed. So if you suffer from depression, do not follow a carb-restricted or low-carb eating plan. It is however important to eat 'good' carbs and avoid refined carbs.

Small amounts of selenium has also been effective in the treatment of depression. Selenium can be obtained by eating foods such as whole wheat bread, bran, Brazil nuts, tuna, onions, tomatoes and broccoli.

Antioxidants help protect the brain cells from both ageing and depression so eating plenty of vegetables and salad is advisable.

Breakfast is an important meal for anyone who wants to control their weight, but especially so for patients with depression. So make sure you eat good breakfast and ideally include some 'good' carbs like oats, All Bran, Shredded Wheat, whole wheat bread, fresh fruit.

A regular routine of exercise helps maintain stable metabolism and blood-sugar levels, which in turn improves mood, and helps alleviate some symptoms of depression. So eating and exercising at regular times may be helpful if you suffer from depression. Eat throughout a day. Eating 5 small meals everyday is actually better as you avoid getting hungry and craving too much.

• Some depression medication actually causes weight gain so talk to your doctor to see if there are other anti-depressant that does not contribute weight gain. There are also some anti-depressants that boosts energy so take advantage of this to help you do more things better.
• Get a good amount of sleep everyday. Do not deprive yourself of rest because your body needs this.
• Take your mind off of your worries. Reduce stress because it will not help you. Engage in some activities such as yoga, sports, or meditate to maintain calmness and relaxation.
• Eat healthy foods. Do not get comfort from junk foods because they are not only unhealthy, they also make you gain more weight.
• Be patient and do not expect to lose weight immediately. You will eventually shed off some pounds if you eat right keep your body active.

Glad you like them Amapola . Weight gain is often times linked to depression and stress because during that time we tend to seek comfort from food.

I agree! This is a great post that can help everyone undergoing depression. I have been there before as well and you are right victoria, most of the depressed people indeed seek comfort from eating because you feel better when you eat. You tend to pamper and treat yourself with luscious food. Stress also does contribute to increased appetite so when under going stress and depression, clear your kitchen of junk foods and replace them with fruits and healthy snacks to not hurt your body so much.

Depression and weight gain frequently co-occur. It's like a vicious cycle because you gain weight when you eat out of boredom, loneliness, isolation or any number of emotional reasons. Exercise helps fight depression and weight gain. Try to develop a regular routine and stick with it. Take vitamin B6 and extra pantothenic acid. Oranges, oats, and rosemary are also helpful. Use relaxation techniques like meditation to reduce stress and always talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Since stress contributes to depression, it is important that you determine what causes your stress so you can avoid it. I agree with mikaela that mediation helps reduce stress. It helps you relax your mind and diverts your attention to something more positive instead of resorting to comfort foods.