What Effect Does Obesity Have on a Woman’s Psychological Well-Being?
Conventionally, research has always centered on the physical health consequences of obesity. However, it is significant to note that emotional problems such as depression, eating disorders, distorted body image and low self-esteem are commonly observed in overweight and obese women 4. As well, many women who are on antidepressants have been shown to be overweight and/or obese. Relatedly, several studies show that women demonstrate striking improvements in mood states and psychological well-being when they begin to lose weight 4. How Much Do Genetics Contribute to Obesity? There is no doubt that hereditary factors may combine with environmental, social and cultural determinants to contribute to obesity in women 4. In fact, genes can directly cause obesity in disorders such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome (a syndrome characterized mainly by obesity, retinal degeneration and renal failure); Prader-Willi syndrome (a complex genetic disorder characterized by obesity and decreased muscle tone); hyp
