Can Depression Cause Weight Loss?

Introduction

Depression is frequently linked to both weight gain and reduction. Excessive weight loss might decrease your energy and cause health problems.

Depression can have physical signs, but its main effects are on your mood and emotional state of mind. Aches and pains, decreased energy, trouble sleeping, strange stomach and digestive problems, or changes in appetite are all possible symptoms.

When they experience emotional distress, some people with depression end up eating more or feeling more hungry than normal. During the long, gloomy winter months, comforting meals can momentarily alleviate feelings of melancholy, emptiness, and other emotional difficulties.

A reduction in appetite brought on by depression may also result in inadvertent weight loss. Although some may view this as a beneficial side effect, abrupt or extreme weight loss might harm your health. Additionally, it may leave you feeling lazy, which might make managing other depressive symptoms more challenging.

The reasons why depression might lead to weight loss:

Weight and hunger changes are frequently closely linked to other symptoms of sadness.

• Changes in mood
• Overwhelming mood swings are common in depression, including:
• Feeling depressed for no apparent reason
• feeling without hope
• the enduring feeling of blank indifference

These shifts may replace Your normal emotions, which will take up your brain space. You won’t have much space to concentrate on your everyday tasks, such as getting dressed and showering, cleaning your home, or cooking and eating.

Other typical indicators are:

• Absence of enthusiasm for things you typically like
• weariness and a drop in energy
• Having trouble making judgments

Additionally, these symptoms may be linked to weight loss:

You used to love preparing unusual meals and cooking, but these days you lack the energy to do much more than eat a banana or a few crackers.

You might not give much thought to what or when you eat if you no longer like eating. You can miss meals without realizing it since food may no longer be a top concern.

Nothing seems appetizing, yet you’re hungry. You are unable to decide on your partner’s ideas. You eventually become agitated, claim you’re not hungry, and go to bed.

Additional physical signs and symptoms:

Depression’s outward manifestations may also contribute to weight loss.

You may skip all except the most boring meals if you have sudden, inexplicable nausea or stomachaches. To prevent unpleasant sensations, you may even reduce your food intake.

Feelings of hunger might sometimes be overcome by exhaustion and poor energy. At the end of each day, you may feel so exhausted that all you want to do is lie down and sleep. You may consume easy, no-prep foods, but you may still struggle to find the stamina to finish even these smaller meals.

Psychomotor agitation, which includes pacing and fidgeting, is another symptom of depression in some people. These activities burn calories, and the combination of your reduced hunger and restless activity increases the likelihood that you’ll lose weight.

Side effects of medication

According to research, several depression drugs may induce weight loss in the first few months of treatment.

Long-term weight reduction may also result from the antidepressants bupropion (Wellbutrin) and fluoxetine (Prozac).

Antidepressant-related weight loss may also come from decreased appetite or gastrointestinal adverse effects such as diarrhea, upset stomach, or nausea.

Alterations in the brain

One research from 2016, investigated the possible causes of various eating behaviors and weight gain or reduction in people with depression.

Three small groups of participants were shown images of food and non-food things by researchers:

• Those suffering from severe sadness who reported feeling more hungry
• Those suffering from severe sadness who reported feeling less hungry
• Those without depression in the control group

This is what they discovered:

The areas of the brain linked to reward appeared to be more active in those who were more hungry.

The part of the brain linked to interoception—a sense that aids in perceiving and comprehending physical feelings like hunger and thirst—seemed to be less active in those who were experiencing appetite loss.

There was neither excessive brain activity nor inactivity in the control group.

The connections between these brain areas may also play a role in weight reduction, appetite decrease, and disinterest in eating, according to the study’s authors.

You may feel less motivated to eat if eating doesn’t feel gratifying or enjoyable, especially if you don’t feel hungry as often. It makes sense that you would ultimately start to lose weight if you’re eating less in general.

Other possible reasons:

Many other factors may be responsible for unexplained weight loss, even if you suffer from sadness. Loss of appetite can result from a variety of medical issues, including stress, worry, and grief. Weight loss is another adverse consequence of medications.

Weight loss that is rapid or sustained, particularly over a brief period, may have negative health effects.

Talk to Doctor if you:

• Reduce weight without altering your regular workout regimen or diet.
• Observe changes in bowel motions.
• Experience unusual nausea or stomach discomfort.
• Observe alterations in your sense of taste or smell.
• Experience unusual fatigue
• Frequently get sick
• Have trouble eating or swallowing

Within six months to a year, reduce your body weight by more than 5% (for instance, if your weight is 175 pounds, it would be around 9 pounds of weight reduction).

Depression frequently coexists with other illnesses including eating disorders, anxiety, or difficult sorrow. A mental health professional would often be required to provide help for these disorders.

Therapy may be beneficial if you:

• Are incapable of handling the tremendous, unrelenting anguish following a loss.
• Feel consumed by concerns about your weight, diet, or exercise.
• having trouble eating because of stressful life events or ongoing concerns

What connection is there between losing weight and depression?

Many different signs of depression manifest both physically and emotionally.

Depression may cause weight loss for the following reasons:

Diminished appetite and disinterest in food: sadness, or a lack of interest in once-pleasurable items, is a typical sign of depression. This sometimes shows up as appetite decreases, which leads to weight loss in many people.

GI symptoms: Because of the gut-brain axis, depression can result in GI symptoms. Eating may be difficult if you frequently have symptoms of an unsettled stomach, such as nausea or abdominal discomfort.

Alterations in the control of hormones: Since depression affects hormones, it may also affect the particular hormones, such as cortisol, that are involved in hunger and responding to food cues.

Elevated inflammatory reactions: Depression is frequently associated with elevated inflammatory responses across the body, which can disrupt bodily processes, such as appetite regulation, resulting in appetite reduction and, ultimately, weight loss.

Side effects of medication: You may be experiencing appetite loss if you are on an antidepressant. Additionally, you are more likely to lose weight than gain it when on some antidepressants, including Wellbutrin.

Co-occurring anxiety: People who suffer from depression frequently also suffer from anxiety disorders. An anxiety disorder co-occurs with serious depression in about 41% of cases. Another illness that causes appetite loss is anxiety.

Co-occurring eating disorders: An eating problem is more common in people who are depressed. Extreme weight loss can be a symptom of eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa.

What Effects Can Depression Have on Your Weight?

Researchers are aware that weight increase may cause sadness and that depression can cause weight gain.

According to the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA), individuals with depressive symptoms are more likely than those without depressive symptoms to see increases in their waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) over the following years.

When someone is sad, they may acquire weight for the following reasons:

• They become less engaged in activities and engage in less physical activity.
• Because they make bad dietary choices, they typically consume a diet that is heavier in fat.
• Weight gain is a side effect of certain depression medications, including antidepressants.

Doctors and researchers are well aware that gaining weight raises the chance of getting depression.

What further bodily signs of depression are there?

In addition to mental symptoms, sadness frequently causes a variety of physical ones.

In addition to changes in appetite and weight, other physical manifestations of depressive symptoms include:

• A headache
• Pain in the stomach and digestive issues
• Low vitality
• Unidentified pains and aches
• Having trouble falling asleep
• Oversleeping

Additionally, “leaden paralysis,” or a sensation of heaviness in your arms and/or legs, may occur if you have atypical depression.

Although everyone’s experience of sadness is unique, these are typical physical symptoms of depression.

Even while depression may undoubtedly result in physical symptoms like these, it’s crucial to consult your doctor to rule out other possible causes if you get a new physical symptom.

What additional factors may be contributing to your weight loss?

It’s crucial to keep in mind that there may be other physical health reasons for your weight reduction.

Other factors that may contribute to inadvertent weight loss include:

Hyperthyroidism: The condition known as hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid overproduces thyroid hormone. You lose weight as a result of your body’s metabolism increasing.

Digestive disorders: Weight loss may result from your body’s inability to absorb calories and nutrients if you have a persistent digestive issue. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), parasite infections, and coeliac disease are a few examples.

Chronic illness: Unintentional weight loss can be caused by several chronic diseases and ailments. Diabetes, Parkinson’s illness, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a few examples.

Aging: Several causes, such as pharmaceutical side effects, difficulty eating or cooking for oneself, tooth loss or ill-fitting dentures, and more, can cause unintended weight loss in many older persons.

Consult your physician if you’re losing weight and don’t know why. For them to properly evaluate you and do the required tests to rule out any physical health concerns, make sure to describe any other mental and physical symptoms you may be having.

The Part Stress Hormones Play in Weight Variability:

Cortisol and other stress hormones influence hunger and metabolism. Chronic stress, which is frequently associated with depression, can cause the body to overproduce cortisol. The body’s regular metabolic processes may be disturbed, which might result in weight loss or make it harder to maintain a healthy weight.

An increased hunger, especially for items heavy in calories and sugar, might result from elevated cortisol levels. Overeating and weight gain may result from this. Furthermore, cortisol can encourage the buildup of belly fat, which is linked to a higher risk of several illnesses, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Chronic inflammation can also result from depression’s ongoing stimulation of the body’s stress response system. Because inflammation can disrupt the body’s capacity to control metabolism and fat storage, it has been connected to weight gain and difficulties in decreasing weight.

It is crucial to remember that there is a complicated and individual-specific interaction between depression and weight loss. Some people might not notice any noticeable changes in their weight, while others might gain weight rather than lose it. To address their mental health and any linked weight-related issues, people with depression must have expert assistance and support.

Preventive and Extended Care Treatment

Gaining weight might increase your energy levels, which can help you manage other symptoms of sadness. The following tactics may provide a starting point.

Put your diet and overall health first.

In certain situations, losing weight might have positive health effects, but not always. It’s not a surefire way to live a better, happier life. Some people have no desire to reduce their body weight.

In addition to improving your mood and attitude, accepting your body as it is—even if you don’t believe it’s ideal—can help you develop a more positive self-image.

Your identity and worth extend beyond your physical attributes. Rather than concentrating on physical changes or the lack of desired changes, think about foods and activities that make you feel good.

Techniques like intuitive eating and mindful eating can also assist you in selecting foods and eating patterns that increase your energy levels, enabling you to live life to the fullest.

Focus on tiny adjustments.

Depression can make it difficult to manage daily duties such as cooking and food preparation, thus it may be tough to adopt new eating habits after reducing weight.

Instead of pushing yourself to prepare meals and snacks every day, make little modifications that will help you receive enough nutrition until you feel ready to take greater ones.

Keeping your cupboards and refrigerator stocked with easy-to-grab nutritional food might be a good start. Support from a friend or loved one may also make food shopping simpler, and supermarket delivery is a viable alternative.

Even if you choose to avoid prepackaged or individually wrapped things that contribute to waste, these conveniences can help you care for yourself. There is no reason to feel guilty about making the greatest decision for your health and fitness.

Finally, don’t get overly concerned about making sure everything is healthful and nutritious. When you’re hungry, it’s still better to eat something than nothing, and there’s nothing wrong with pampering yourself on occasion.

Talk with your loved ones.

Weight reduction can result in energy loss, making the chore of preparing food appear even more difficult. Having support from loved ones may make a significant impact.

Asking for help might be uncomfortable, but remember that if they know you’re struggling, they may already want to help. Enquiring about your needs allows others to assist you more effectively.

Try expressing that sadness interferes with your normal appetite and energy levels, making it difficult to plan or consume meals.

Then, you might ask for whichever assistance is most helpful:

• Assisting with shopping or ordering food.
• Bringing dinner once or twice every week
• Helping with meal preparation and cooking
• Set reminders to eat regularly.
• We eat together a couple of nights each week.

Try gentle exercises.

People generally exercise to lose weight, so you may avoid exercise if you have already lost weight and do not wish to lose any more.

However, exercise is beneficial for more than simply weight loss. Regular physical activity can increase energy levels, muscular and bone strength, and cognitive function.

Stretching, yoga, and walking can enhance hunger without requiring much effort.

Spending time in nature might boost mood. If you’re feeling up to it, take a walk or a long walk in your favorite park.

Lifestyle Changes to Combat Depression.

A healthy lifestyle can improve your mental health and weight. Regular exercise, proper eating habits, enough sleep, and stress-reduction tactics can help you manage depression symptoms and maintain your weight.

The Value of Regular Check-ups and Monitoring

Regular check-ups with healthcare specialists are essential for monitoring your weight, mental health, and general well-being. These specialists may give continuous support, change treatment regimens as required, and ensure that any underlying medical disorders causing weight loss are properly handled.

Do Antidepressants Have an Effect on Weight?

Certain depression drugs have been shown to have a greater impact on body weight. The following is a list of drugs that have been determined to be most likely to induce weight changes, as well as those that may cause weight loss and those that appear to have less of an effect on weight. Individuals may experience different side effects, which can be influenced by lifestyle, genetics, and co-morbidities.

Antidepressants may promote weight gain:

• Mirtazapine (remeron)
• Amitriptyline (elavil)
• Paroxetine (Paxil, Brisdelle, or Pexeva)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Antidepressants that might promote weight loss:

• Bupropion (Aplenzin, Forfivo, and Wellbutrin)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Weight-neutral antidepressants are less likely to influence weight.
• Effexor (Venlafaxine).
• Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)
• Vortioxetine (Trintellix)

Bupropion is the most commonly connected with weight reduction among the drugs listed above. Fluoxetine has been linked to weight reduction in certain circumstances, but it may also contribute to weight gain in the long run. The relationship between Duloxetine and weight reduction is contradictory.

Not every patient who takes antidepressants gains weight. However, certain antidepressants may cause weight gain. TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a non-invasive, medication-free treatment that alleviates depression symptoms without the negative side effects of antidepressants.

Conclusion

Overall, sadness may induce weight loss, and knowing this relationship is critical for both persons suffering from depression and their healthcare practitioners. Individuals may overcome this difficult illness and improve their mental and physical health by recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression-induced weight loss, obtaining appropriate professional support, and using self-care measures.

FAQs

References

• Woo, D. (2024b, July 20). Can depression cause weight gain or weight loss? | Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry. Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry. https://www.madisonavetms.com/blog/does-depression-cause-weight-loss-or-weight-gain/
• Can depression cause weight loss? Here’s what to know. (2024, August 20). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/weight-loss-depression#takeaway
• Staff, T. (2024, August 18). Depression & Weight Loss: How Are They Related? | Talkiatry. Talkiatry. https://www.talkiatry.com/blog/does-depression-make-you-lose-weight
• Uk, S. M. (2024, June 13). Can depression cause weight loss? Here’s what to know. Save Minds Ketamine Infusion Center. https://saveminds.co.uk/can-depression-cause-weight-loss-heres-what-to-know/