How might depression affect my appetite and weight?

 

Appetite and weight changes are common but variable diagnostic markers in major depressive disorder: some depressed individuals manifest increased appetite, while others lose their appetite. Many of the brain regions implicated in appetitive responses to food have also been implicated in depression. Researchers know that depression can lead to weight gain, and that weight gain can also contribute to depression. Weight gain can happen when a person is depressed because: They lose interest in activities and are less physically active. They tend to eat a diet higher in fat due to poor food choices. People tend to feel low in energy when they are depressed – this can mean that having to cook or eat may feel like too much for them.

Anxiety triggers emotional and psychological changes in your body to help you deal with the pressure. These changes often affect the stomach and digestive tract and can make you lose your appetite. If stress is the reason, your hunger usually returns once you're feeling more relaxed. People can experience a loss of appetite for a wide range of reasons. Some of these are short-term, including colds, food poisoning, other infections, or the side effects of medication. Others are to do with long-term medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, or life-limiting illnesses. Overeating or inactivity as a result of depression can cause weight gain. Some people lose weight as part of their depression. In turn, an improved appetite associated with improved mood may result in increased weight. Adults generally tend to gain weight as they age, regardless of the medications they take.

When you're struggling with depression, your eating habits often suffer. Some people overeat and gain weight, turning to food to lift their mood. Others find they're too exhausted to prepare balanced meals or that they've lost their appetite Cortisol stimulates your fat and carbohydrate metabolism, creating a surge of energy in your body. While this process is essential for survival situations, it also increases your appetite. Additionally, elevated cortisol levels can cause cravings for sweet, fatty and salty foods.