Psychological Consequences of Being Overweight

Life can be tough for people who are overweight or obese. Alongside physical challenges and increased social stigmas, there is a direct link between obesity and mental health issues. The psychological consequences of being obese can be even more damaging than the physical complications, affecting overall well-being and quality of life. As a result, many individuals spend their lives suffering in silence.

The Link Between Obesity and Mental Health Issues

People of all ages can become obese, though it’s most common among American adults aged between 40 and 59. Anybody obese is at risk of developing mental health issues, leading to a decline in their self-love and self-care. Conversely, having mental health conditions can also cause an individual to become obese due to a lack of serotonin and turning to food as a coping mechanism.

Some of the most common and dangerous mental health issues associated with obesity include those listed below.

Anxiety

Many overweight or obese individuals struggle with poor body image and fear of being judged, which triggers anxiety when going out in public. Chronic stress and mood fluctuations can cause individuals to make poor food choices and develop unhealthy eating habits. Those struggling with anxiety and obesity may also find it challenging to exercise regularly, particularly if they develop certain agoraphobic tendencies. ^[1]

Depression

The relationship between obesity and depressive disorder is reciprocal. Research has shown that individuals with obesity are more likely to become depressed, and individuals with depression are at higher risk of weight gain. Depressive episodes can disrupt metabolic processes, particularly when an individual has an excessively low mood and turns to comfort eating to cope. Becoming obese then makes it more likely for depressive episodes to reoccur. ^[2]

Eating disorders

Unhealthy eating habits are a leading cause of obesity, but developing a serious eating disorder is often one of the mental side effects of being obese. Society maintains that being obese is shameful, so many people attempt to lose weight by cutting out meals and starving themselves, which deprives the body and brain of nutrients. Others adopt opposing disordered eating habits and overeat as a coping mechanism. ^[1]

Bipolar disorder

Unlike obesity and mental health disorders like anxiety and major depression, bipolar disorder is not triggered by being obese, although many bipolar adults in the US struggle with it. Research suggests that obesity is associated with the severity of an individual’s bipolar disorder, with depressive episodes, in particular, becoming more difficult due to the relationship between obesity and depression. ^[3]

How does stigma and discrimination affect obese individuals?

Despite the growth of body positivity movements, negative attitudes, such as an association between obesity and laziness, remain. Plenty of obese individuals attempting to become healthier by going to the gym or exercising outdoors are regularly mocked, which can hamper their progress and motivation. The most popular belief about obesity is that it is a personal choice, despite genetic and biological factors also influencing weight. 

Societal prejudice and discrimination against overweight and obese people lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy. They are blamed for lacking self-discipline and not appealing to public perceptions of physical attractiveness, which can lead to dangerous decisions, like starving themselves or withdrawing from society. The more disparities society establishes between obese individuals and their peers, the more it exacerbates psychiatric disorders and illnesses. ^[4]

When people with obesity feel excluded from public spaces, like gyms or workout classes, they’re more likely to suffer stress-induced issues like anxiety. Being treated poorly is also a common depressive trigger, leading to regular low moods and an increase in unhealthy coping habits, like excessive eating. The majority of obese people have a poor body image as a result of societal stigmas, putting them at greater risk of suffering the psychological effects of obesity. ^[4]

Psychological Impact of Body Image Issues

The concept of ‘body image’ encapsulates the emotions, thoughts, and actions a person undergoes in response to their physical appearance. How we look relates to our identity, so body dissatisfaction can negatively impact our mental health. When society pressures people to pursue mainstream weight and body shape ideals, it burdens them with the knowledge that they don’t fit in. Even contemporary body positivity culture cannot mitigate the negative stereotypes that overweight and obese people have suffered for decades. ^[5]

One of the most dangerous psychological impacts of body image issues is developing a preoccupation with appearance, particularly weight. Many people become dysmorphic and do drastic things to become slimmer, potentially leading to dangerous eating disorders. Pre-existing mental disorders, like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, can be worsened when an individual goes to extreme lengths to achieve societal appearance ideals. ^[5]

Given the strong correlation between obesity and mental health conditions, the stigma attached to being obese is psychologically dangerous. Being constantly shamed, ridiculed, or embarrassed triggers rash behavior and can cause people with obesity to isolate themselves from wider society. There is a lack of positive psychology surrounding obesity, and it has normalized discriminatory thoughts and actions against obese individuals.

Obesity and Social Isolation

Overweight or obese individuals are often stereotyped as not caring about their size, but they’re actually acutely aware of it. Being constantly reminded of and shamed for their weight commonly leads to withdrawal from social activities and engagements out of fear of ridicule or bullying. This increases feelings of loneliness and also robs obese people of a sense of belonging.

Society pedals negative attitudes towards weight gain in the media, the internet, and everyday social interactions. When people who are overweight or obese internalize these discriminatory beliefs, they’re more likely to experience feelings of anxiety and depression and isolate themselves as a result. Negative stigmas and the subsequent weight bias have also been shown to correlate with further weight gain, which only leads to increased stigmatization, embarrassment, and social withdrawal. ^[6]

Not every obese person will suffer extreme loneliness and isolation, but for many, it’s a self-preservation instinct if they have previously been mocked for their weight. Those struggling with excessive weight gain are a vulnerable group, though they’re often not treated as such, which encourages feelings of psychological distress and negative self-image. Obese people often demonstrate lower emotional trust than those who are a healthy weight, making it harder to form meaningful social connections. ^[6]

How to Manage the Psychological Consequences of Being Obese

Obesity and mental health have a complex relationship, both with each other and mainstream society. As a result, managing the psychological consequences of being obese is challenging. Society frequently dismisses the concerns of obese and overweight people by holding them solely responsible for their weight and blaming it on gluttony and a lack of self-discipline. This misconception is one of the reasons why people don’t seek help.

Both obesity and mental health pose barriers when it comes to treating the other; the stigmas that surround both conditions keep individuals trapped in destructive cycles that damage their health. Obesity increases anxious and depressive feelings, while poor mental health often leads to comfort eating and difficulties following weight-management therapies. 

Many Americans also don’t have complete access to all the help and support options available, which causes feelings of isolation. Meanwhile, many MDs may have internalized stigma against obese individuals, which could make doctor visits demoralizing, resulting in further barriers to proper care. ^[1]

That’s why increased self-care is one of the easiest ways to make small but positive physical and psychological changes. It’s easier said than done, particularly when obese or overweight individuals are struggling with poor mental health, but it makes a huge difference to one’s psychological state. Incorporating a small amount of moderate exercise into your daily routine, creating a meal plan, and taking time to de-stress at the end of each day can work wonders for your emotional wellness and encourage healthier physical habits to manage weight.

There are also several different therapy options for those ready to seek professional help for their mental and physical health. Intensive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatments, targeting the habits that cause obesity without stigmatizing or blaming individuals for their weight. It can involve both one-on-one therapy and support groups. Intensive behavioral therapy also includes screening individuals for signs of depressive disorder, which can help people seek support for their mental health challenges. ^[7]

Above all, it’s imperative that individuals who are overweight or obese and suffering from mental health issues feel comfortable asking for help. Society is traditionally unempathetic, so creating healthy, socially connected spaces for those suffering loneliness and societal stigmas is crucial. The psychological consequences of being obese are often ignored, but mental health professionals and therapists understand them and can provide the necessary support.