Depression and weight gain may have a bidirectional relationship, which means the status of one affects the other. However, experts do not fully understand the connection.
Several studies have suggested over the years that depression and weight gain are linked, and many indicate a bidirectional relationship. In other words, depression may lead to weight gain, and weight gain may lead to depression.
Although experts know there is a connection, it is likely a complicated and multifaceted one that they do not fully understand. This article unpacks what the current research says about depression and weight gain.
According to a
- shown a relationship between the two conditions
- found no agreement about the meaning of the association
- shown inconsistency in the onset of both conditions
They shared observations from an earlier 2010 study that stated people with obesity had a 55% higher chance of developing depression in their lifetime. Conversely, people with depression were 58% more likely to develop obesity than people who did not have depression.
Still, many reputable organizations, such as the
However, a
This study also investigated the possible differences between males and females. It found that:
- males showed reduced signs of depression with effective weight loss interventions
- females showed an excessive risk of mood disorders related to BMI
In a
A
They concluded that people with obesity who did not have clinical depression showed improved moods after losing weight. These effects lasted 3–12 months following the trial.
In a
The NIMH says that changes in appetite are one of several potential depression symptoms. They also note that a person may experience unexpected weight changes due to appetite changes.
As previously noted, appetite changes associated with depression can make people eat less and more than usual. While some people experience weight gain, others experience weight loss.
Evidence suggests that many antidepressant medications may cause weight gain. In a
However, they also noted 7% or greater (statistically significant) weight gain in studies where people took one or more of the following:
- quetiapine (Seroquel)
- haloperidol (Haldol)
- trifluoperazine (Stelazine)
- risperidone (Risperdal)
- aripiprazole (Abilify)
- olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- clozapine (Clozaril)
They noted only one medication associated with weight loss was bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Finally, they stated additional studies with longer duration times and larger sample sizes are needed to help confirm their findings.
Still, a person may likely gain some weight when taking medications to help treat their depression. If this is a concern, a person should consider speaking to a doctor about alternative medications or other ways to manage weight gain.
Weight gain and depression may have links, but experts still do not fully understand how they affect each other. Depression may lead to weight gain, weight gain may lead to depression, and both may exacerbate the other condition.
In some cases, treatments for depression may cause weight gain as a side effect. A person may find working with a doctor to determine the best medication for their needs may help.
Alonso-Pedrero, L., et al. (2019). Effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic use on weight gain: A systematic review [Abstract].
Blasco, B. V., et al. (2020). Obesity and depression: Its prevalence and influence as a prognostic factor: A systematic review.
Depression. Overview. (2022).
Fuller, N. R., et al. (2017). Examining the association between depression and obesity during a weight management programme [Abstract].
Konttinen, H., et al. (2019). Depression, emotional eating and long-term weight changes: A population-based prospective study.
Sahle, B. W., et al. (2019). Association between depression, anxiety and weight change in young adults.
Weinberger, N.-A., et al. (2018). The relationship between weight status and depressive symptoms in a population sample with obesity: The mediating role of appearance evaluation.