Anxiety Disorders and Obesity

Anxiety Disorders and Obesity Relations

It is well-established that there is a complex relationship between obesity and mental disorder. Over half of individuals with mental health disorders are reported to be obese. Understanding the relationship between the two disorders is crucial for appropriately treating one and neutralizing the other.

Anxiety disorders are thought to affect more than 30% of Americans at some point in their lives, making them the most common mental health condition in this country. Anxiety disorders include post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and the most common, generalized anxiety disorder.

A National Center for Health Statistics survey from 2019 found that 15% of the participants had anxiety symptoms in the two weeks before the study, with those aged 18 to 29 reporting the highest prevalence.

Is there a correlation between obesity and the development of anxiety disorders? Do physiological alterations caused by anxiety disorders lead to weight gain? Although studies have connected obesity and anxiety problems, the precise nature of the relationship between the two conditions is still unclear.

You undoubtedly know that weight and mental health are related if you are overweight. Obesity and mental health often have nothing to do with body size, and the relationship between the two is often unclear.

There is a complicated relationship between physical size and mental health, which may be caused by weight discrimination or the impact of stress on weight. How can you protect your mental health? Let us take a closer look at that connection.

How can my mental health be affected by my weight?

There may be a link between physical size and mood and anxiety issues, according to extensive research. Therefore, if you are larger, you may be more at risk for mental health problems like anxiety or sadness.

Weight and mental health are related in different ways for different people. Some people may exhibit unusual eating patterns as a sign of emotional distress. Comfort food is a typical human who wants to cope with stress. This suggests that repeated exposure to stressful situations might also lead to weight increase, which is common for those with larger bodies.

Impact of weight on feelings

Larger bodies may also be negatively viewed by society, which might make mental health issues worse. Many times, people who are overweight are shamed or rejected by others. They might be informed all the time that those who are heavier are:

• Foolish and irresponsible
• Unattractive and unpleasant
• Responsibility for the high costs of medical care
• A “disease” that they suffer from is part of an “epidemic.”

Unsurprisingly, these discriminatory beliefs about people with larger bodies lead to negative feelings. These interactions can result in a loss of self-esteem and several mental health problems.

Fat individuals also face a variety of forms of size discrimination, which increases the chance of developing mental disorder. The fact that those with larger bodies earn less than those with smaller bodies is not uncommon. People with larger stature also have a lower chance of getting a job or a promotion. Lack of money is also a strong predictor of mental health issues.

Obese persons may also find it more difficult to control their negative emotions since they are unable to engage in certain activities. For instance, amusement park rides include seats that are too tight to fit people of different body types. On the other hand, obese passengers may find it difficult to fit into an airline seat and may be denied access to flights due to their size.

Which mental health issues are connected to obesity?

Obesity has been related to an increased risk of mental health issues, including eating disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. Discrimination based on weight is often the source of this connection.

Worry

Anxiety disorders are more likely to occur in those with larger bodies. It is unclear why people with larger bodies are more likely to worry. However, they may be concerned about weight discrimination according to one idea.

Depression

Sadness, a loss of interest in hobbies or interests, and low self-perception are all symptoms of major depression. Weight gain and increased hunger are typical signs of sadness.

Studies on the relationship between depression and weight have revealed that depression can sometimes lead to weight gain. Additionally, many depression medications may result in weight gain or insulin insensitivity, increasing the risk of developing conditions like diabetes. Moreover, substantial calorie deficits caused by restrictive diets are likely a contributing factor to depressed symptoms, binge eating, and thoughts of suicide.

Bipolar Disorder

Another kind of mood disorder that includes manic or hypomanic and depressed periods is bipolar disorder. It is uncertain what specifically causes the association between weight and bipolar disorder. However, individuals with bipolar disorder may use food as a coping mechanism, similar to those with other mental health disorders.

A further explanation might be that drugs used to treat bipolar disorder, such as certain mood stabilizers, can have negative consequences including weight gain and increased hunger.

An eating disorder

Risk factors for eating disorders include restrictive diets, the “obesity epidemic,” and an overemphasis on weight loss. According to certain research, diets “may carry more risks than benefits” in terms of helping people lose weight.

As many as 52% of obese people who are enrolled in weight loss programs may have binge eating disorder, according to certain research. Individuals with atypical anorexia, when anorexics are not considered underweight, are often misdiagnosed instead. People who suffer from anorexia run a considerable danger of dying.

Can a stressful situation lead to weight gain?

Stress can lead to an increase in body fat and weight gain. Long-term high levels of the stress hormone cortisol may have an impact on the development of abdominal fat, according to some research. The way your body responds to stress might be impacted by genetic factors.

When you experience chronic stress, your sympathetic nervous system is also activated and always on high alert. According to the study, this activation could contribute to insulin insensitivity. Extended periods of stress are also associated with metabolic issues.

Your metabolism determines how much energy your body uses and stores. Your body expends more energy when under stress. Continuous stress causes your metabolism to change how your body uses the energy from the food you eat. Furthermore, metabolic syndrome, which increases blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels and results in weight gain around the waist, may be caused by these changes.

Suggestions for improving your physical and mental health

Regardless of your weight, you may take several steps to help protect your mental health. Changing your lifestyle can improve your emotional and physical well-being.

Continue eating a healthy diet.

Eating a healthy diet can help your mental health. The body has a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. The majority of serotonin is generated in the gastrointestinal system. This suggests that the generation of serotonin, which is impacted by digestion and the foods you eat, affects your mood.

A balanced diet consists of:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grain
• Foods high in protein include eggs, meat, soy, almonds, and seeds.
• Fat-free or low-fat dairy products
• Good fats and oils
• Moderate consumption of processed foods, sugar, salt, and saturated and trans fats

It is crucial to remember that eating a healthy diet involves more than just the foods you eat. Eating food that makes you happy, comfortable, or connected offers health advantages as well, particularly for mental health. A good diet should include foods that make you happy or that make you feel connected to your loved ones.

Observe good sleep hygiene.

Lack of sleep may negatively impact both your physical and emotional health. The metabolism is one of the many body functions that are impacted by inadequate sleep. People who do not get enough sleep may also consume more meals high in carbohydrates and put on weight.

Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night as an adult. To maintain proper sleep hygiene, be sure to:

• Keep your bedtime and wake-up times regular.
• Exercise early in the morning.
• Avoid coffee in the morning and afternoon.
• Avoid using technology and strong lights soon before bed.
• Only use your bed to sleep.
• Make sure your area is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature (around 65°F).
• Before going to bed, do something calming, like meditate or take a bath.
• One effective technique to promote relaxation is with white noise.

Consult a physician if you have any worries about your sleep. Additionally, body size and shape might affect an individual’s risk of developing sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing pauses intermittently while they are asleep. You may need medical care if you have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea.

Increase your level of fitness.

For both your physical and emotional well-being, exercise is essential. Frequent exercise can lower your chances of:

• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes.

According to experts, people should engage in moderately intense activity for at least 150 minutes every week, spaced out across a few days. For example, you can exercise for 50 minutes three days a week or for 30 minutes five days a week.

Moderate activity includes things like yard work, power walking, and moderately paced cycling.

You should exercise for at least 75 minutes a week if you are participating in strenuous activities like swimming, jogging, or competitive sports.

Exercise that makes you feel good and is good for your body is more important than the type of exercise.

Decrease stress

Stress is linked to several other harmful health outcomes in addition to mental health conditions. Furthermore, some people may use food as a coping strategy. It is critical to develop effective coping strategies for your stress.

You might try the following:

• Conversing with a friend or relative
• Writing, singing, or creating art to express your feelings
• Flipping through a book
• Taking a deep breath, practicing mindfulness, or meditation
• Doing exercise
• Being in the great outdoors

Mental health therapies like therapy or medication may be beneficial if you face stress regularly. You can feel less overwhelmed by learning good coping mechanisms for your emotions through counseling or therapy. Medication may help reduce distressing feelings associated with mental health.

Engage in mindfulness exercises.

Keep in mind that meditation is the discipline of being attentive in the here and now. Studies on meditation have demonstrated that it lowers anxiety, depression, and binge eating. Additionally, meditation can help avoid emotional eating since it makes you more conscious of what and how you eat.

There are several methods to be attentive. A guided meditation could be something you want to try if meditation is new to you. To help you practice, there are several online videos and apps accessible.

Another option is to practice mindful eating. This entails raising your awareness to slow down the eating process. According to one study, mindful eating is associated with lower levels of stress, sadness, and binge eating. Here are a few easy steps to mindful eating:

• To eat, find a place that is distraction-free and calm.
• Before eating, start by taking a few intentional, deep breaths.
• To increase your awareness of your senses, pay attention to what you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell.
• Pay attention to your senses as you properly chew and bite into a piece of food.
• Learn which foods will make you feel satisfied and content and which won’t.

FAQs

References:

• Emily Guarnotta, PsyD, (2025, February 17). https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/obesity-and-mental-health
• Obesity Medicine Association. (2025, January 6). Obesity and anxiety disorder: Which one comes first? Obesity Medicine Association. https://obesitymedicine.org/blog/obesity-and-anxiety-disorder-which-one-comes-first/