When it comes to mood many people think that there isn’t a whole lot that can be done. They figure if their mood is poor that’s just all there is to it. But recent research conducted by the Society for the Study of Ingested Behavior indicates that depressed people who are overweight experience mood improvement in direct correlation to weight loss.
The Society for the Study of Ingested Behavior conducted a 6 month study; a supervised weight loss program. 51 participants (both depressed and non-depressed) were expected to use meal replacements and lifestyle changes to achieve weight loss. Depressed individuals averaged 8% weight loss while non-depressed individuals averaged 11% weight loss.
Obesity/overweight issues and depression are both risk factors for stroke and heart disease. This study indicated that there was a definite possibility to eliminate them both simultaneously. This abrupt decrease in risk factors is recognized as a drastic health benefit.
Weight loss resulting in better mood is a huge benefit for many. But that’s not the only benefit. According to the study depressed individuals also experienced a noticeable increase in their triglycerides. Triglycerides are a common risk factor for both stroke and heart disease adding one more drastic health benefit to the table.
Weight loss experts often hear testimonials from weight loss success stories featuring comments on better mood, increased energy, increased zest for life, increased activity levels and more. These common phrases indicate a drastic mood change in comparison to the mood of the individuals prior to losing weight.
Weight loss is a definite health benefit for depressed individuals as it offers a mood improvement. But many are urging further study into the benefits of weight loss to those with mental disorders and extreme mental issues including/regarding: anxiety, extreme lack of confidence, panic disorder, debilitating negative self image, etc. Tentative benefits are being discussed with definite intentions to study them further to actually define links between weight loss and mental health improvement.
Weight loss is generally a good choice for treatment for individuals who are at an unhealthy weight because its health benefits are wide and varied. The decrease in risks for common illnesses and diseases alone makes it beneficial for a large majority. When the health benefits are taken into consideration on top of the decreased risks for negative health it is a sure bet that weight loss will be a good addition to the health regime of many.
While there are many ways to increase the general health of an individual…there aren’t many as all encompassing or all natural as weight loss. Weight loss in general applies to a large portion of the public and will continue to benefit all who use it to incorporate healthier lifestyle choices and activities into their daily lives.
Amelia Handley studied exercise science in college with a minor in Nutrition. Yet she still found herself veering from diet to diet in order to control her weight. With HCG Diet Direct she’s found a program that allows her to combine her desire to control her own body weight with her education and not feel off balance.