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Does Weight Gain Cause Depression?
Question: my 16 year old daughter went on a trip a month ago in Mexico to an all inclusive resort (with another family) and over ate to the point of gaining 15 pounds in one week. Since then she has had a constant appetite, never being satisfied even after she eats. Before the trip, her pediatrician had her on a elimination diet to without gluten, sugar, and dairy for some digestion issues she had in December and January. currently she is sad possible depressed due to her weight gain and her constantly thinking about food.
Brief Answer:
Possible emotional eating
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. The causes for overeating in children and teenagers, when organic causes are excluded (such as certain genetic disorders, metabolic disorders and brain disorders) should be sought in their emotional well being.
Depression is closely linked to overeating. The feeling of inadequacy, low self esteem, childhood trauma can all cause an emotional void that people try to fill with food and when this doesn't happen, they crave for more food, leading to weight gain, thus further decreasing their self esteem, which turns into a vicious circle.
If your daughter has not been suffered from obesity since early childhood, chances are her overweight is primarily caused by depression.
I am also assuming here, based on what you referred, that organic causes have already been excluded. If not, I recommend she sees a doctor for a complete check up and blood tests.
Once organic causes are excluded, I suggest you have her see a therapist and contribute to a healthier environment for her, which takes a concerted effort from all the family and extended family members. The goal is to give her a better feedback so that she feels better about herself. Once her self esteem increases, she will be more willing to change her lifestyle and diet and lose weight. The change should begin from within.
I hope this helps.
If you have further questions, I would be glad to answer them.
Wishing you all the best.
Possible emotional eating
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. The causes for overeating in children and teenagers, when organic causes are excluded (such as certain genetic disorders, metabolic disorders and brain disorders) should be sought in their emotional well being.
Depression is closely linked to overeating. The feeling of inadequacy, low self esteem, childhood trauma can all cause an emotional void that people try to fill with food and when this doesn't happen, they crave for more food, leading to weight gain, thus further decreasing their self esteem, which turns into a vicious circle.
If your daughter has not been suffered from obesity since early childhood, chances are her overweight is primarily caused by depression.
I am also assuming here, based on what you referred, that organic causes have already been excluded. If not, I recommend she sees a doctor for a complete check up and blood tests.
Once organic causes are excluded, I suggest you have her see a therapist and contribute to a healthier environment for her, which takes a concerted effort from all the family and extended family members. The goal is to give her a better feedback so that she feels better about herself. Once her self esteem increases, she will be more willing to change her lifestyle and diet and lose weight. The change should begin from within.
I hope this helps.
If you have further questions, I would be glad to answer them.
Wishing you all the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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