According to the results of this research, women in depression were twice as likely to be overweight and obese women were twice as likely to be depressed.
"When people gain weight they tend to become depressed and when they are depressed they are more difficult to lose weight," said Gregory Simon, a psychiatrist and lead author of research published in the journal General Hospital Psychiatry.
The results also show that women with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30were less weight loss exercise, had a worse body image and consumed 20% more calories than those with a BMI below.
The association between obesity and depression was present even taking into account in the analysis of other factors such as marital status, education level, smoking and the use of antidepressant.
The stigma associated with having an overweight can affect self-esteem, which can harm the efforts to lose weight according to Simon.
Women overweight should focus on rebuilding their morale and their commitment, which may help them lose weight, "he said.
