“Is obesity mental?”
II am obese and want to fix it. Is obesity mental?
1 Answer
Dr. Anita Manns, PMHNP-BC
Adolescent Psychiatrist | Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Farmington Hills, Michigan
Obesity is not classified as a mental illness. It is primarily recognized as a complex medical condition characterized by an excess of body fat. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Medical Association (AMA) classify obesity as a disease due to its association with a range of health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.
However, there is a recognized relationship between obesity and mental health. Psychological factors can contribute to the development of obesity, and obesity can also have significant mental health consequences. For instance:
Psychological Contributors to Obesity:
Emotional eating, where individuals eat in response to stress, anxiety, or depression.
Eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, which is often associated with obesity.
Mental Health Consequences of Obesity:
Increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Lower self-esteem and body image issues.
Social stigma and discrimination, which can lead to social isolation and further psychological distress.
Given these interrelationships, the management of obesity often includes addressing psychological and behavioral factors alongside medical and nutritional interventions. Multidisciplinary approaches that include mental health support can be particularly effective in treating obesity
However, there is a recognized relationship between obesity and mental health. Psychological factors can contribute to the development of obesity, and obesity can also have significant mental health consequences. For instance:
Psychological Contributors to Obesity:
Emotional eating, where individuals eat in response to stress, anxiety, or depression.
Eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, which is often associated with obesity.
Mental Health Consequences of Obesity:
Increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Lower self-esteem and body image issues.
Social stigma and discrimination, which can lead to social isolation and further psychological distress.
Given these interrelationships, the management of obesity often includes addressing psychological and behavioral factors alongside medical and nutritional interventions. Multidisciplinary approaches that include mental health support can be particularly effective in treating obesity
