Obesity is often associated with mental disorders. Among the German general population, 38% say they have suffered from a mental disorder in their lives to date, and around 48% of obese people. It is unclear whether obesity is the cause of mental illness or vice versa, but it is assumed that the illnesses influence each other and other factors also play a role.
In the obese population, the frequency of mental disorders varies greatly. Over 70% of obese patients seeking bariatric surgery have at least one mental disorder. Women with a high BMI are particularly susceptible. If conservative therapy (diet, exercise) is used to treat obesity, the frequency of mental disorders is significantly lower.
Stigmata - greedy, lazy and weak-willed
Stigmatizing attitudes towards obese people are widespread in society. Obese people are blamed for their obesity. They are often described as greedy, lazy and weak-willed and their overweight is regarded as a consequence of individual misconduct. Apart from negative or aggressive comments, obese people are often disadvantaged in educational institutions, in the workplace and in the health care system. People with stigmatisation develop a negative body image, experience a loss of self-esteem, become socially isolated and are exposed to an increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders. Against this background, the health-related quality of life of obese people is generally worse than in the general population.
Depression and anxiety disorders
Studies have shown the link between obesity and depression. Obesity is 55% more likely to develop depression than the general population. Here too, the greater the desire to lose weight, the more likely it is that those affected develop depression. Conversely, the likelihood of developing obesity is increased by 58%.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders in developed countries, affecting around 25% of the population at least once in their lives. These include generalised anxiety disorders that are not fixed to a particular object or situation, panic disorders and phobias. For obese people, the risk of a co-existing anxiety disorder is increased by 40% and rises with increasing BMI.
Abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
There is a clear link between physical and sexual abuse in childhood and the development of obesity. Studies show a 36% increase in the risk of developing obesity after childhood abuse.
Typical PTSD reactions are psychological reactions that occur against the background of a stressful event with an extraordinary threat, e.g. as flashbacks, nightmares, hyperexcitability or avoidance behaviour. 50% of all people with PTSD have visceral obesity. The likelihood of developing obesity as a result of PTSD is particularly high in women.
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