Obesity - Psychology, Depression and Exercise

Obesity and Exercise

Many argue obesity and overweight result from unresolved complex emotional issues. While this may be partly the case, according to the Harvard Medical School's Mental Health Letter, obesity may be less of a psychiatric phenomenon than once believed.

Obesity and Psychology

Much of obesity has to do with one's emotional state. However, new studies suggest obesity is not just the result of eating compulsively or feeling anxious and depressed. More and more, researchers are finding that obesity may result from complex forms of depression or other illnesses that lead to a condition called "metabolic syndrome" where a person gains weight because of the biological disease (like depression) that manifests physically.

There are also studies suggesting people that do not sleep well release more levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that may result in carrying around extra weight. When people are tired, and then tend to eat more. However, the mere presence of excess cortisol in the body may lead to an increased risk for weight gain, even if a person eats well and exercises.

What Does Exercise Have To Do With It?

The Harvard Medical School, along with many organizations including the Centers for Disease Control, find that relationships definitively exist among a person's mental health and their weight. The healthier one is mentally or psychologically, the less likely they are to gain weight.

Exercise can play a key role then, in prevention or recovery from overweight and obesity. Regular exercise results in the same "feel good" feelings that often occur following a binge or wildly exciting adventure. Exercise helps individuals feel better physically, so their self esteem tends to improve.

As a person starts to lose weight and their self-esteem starts to blossom, typically they become more motivated to continue working out. By working out and changing one's diet, most people will realize a reduction in weight. While it may not happen overnight it will happen with time.

Self-Esteem At The Gym

If self esteem issues are keeping you from the gym, your first priority should be overcoming your feelings of self consciousness so you can work out. A competent psychologist or psychiatrist can help with this. You can also purchase an online DVD to practice working out at your home before you join a gym.

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise to start with, especially if you are not accustomed to exercising regularly. You want to make sure you workout in any way you can in the beginning. When someone is obese typically they start losing weight a lot faster than someone that is only mildly overweight.

As your health continues to improve, you will find you are not as lethargic and are able to work out for longer periods without ill effect.

Exercise also helps people work through emotional problems or feelings including anger, frustration, irritability, poor self-esteem and depression. If you feel overwhelmed by the psychological effects of self-esteem, the best prescription may be exercise. Talk with your doctor about developing an exercise program "tailored" to meet your specific needs. That way you'll be sure to stick with it and realize better success.

Most importantly, don't let others dictate how you should feel about yourself. If you are going to the gym and are nervous the people around you will poke fun because of your weight, don't. Most people would applaud you for your efforts, and if they don't they can simply bug off. With 97 million or more people suffering from obesity, chances are you will find you are in good company when working out.

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