Weight Loss Improves Depression Symptoms
Recent studies show that after a 6-month behavioral weight loss program, depressed patients who lost 8% of their weight reported significant improvements in their symptoms of depression, as well as reductions in triglycerides, which are a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
According to ScienceBlog.com, the study showed that depressed, obese individuals can actually reduce symptoms of depression with weight loss. “Fifty-one depressed and non-depressed subjects were recruited into the study to follow a supervised weight loss program that included lifestyle modification and meal replacements. Both depressed and non-depressed subjects lost significant amounts of weight, with depressed individuals losing 8% of their initial body weight, compared with 11% loss by non-depressed individuals. After 6 months on the weight loss program, depressed subjects also showed significant improvement of their depressive symptoms, based on a questionnaire”.
The many benefits of exercise work well with each other. Battling depression and obesity can work hand in hand.
