I wonder... what came first?

I wonder really, in most cases... what came first with many of us? Did OBESITY cause depression.... OR, did DEPRESSION cause the obesity? Or was it a combo of both? Looking back- I think depression played a HUGE roll in my obesity problem, but after a time- my obesity actually took over and CAUSED depression. Maybe I was just giving my depression the OKAY to add on the weight?  Hmmmm.... I woke at 5:00 a.m. and couldn't sleep, so if that post seems confusing... sorry!  :)

I was fat and had very low self esteem.  Because of low self esteem I married a monster believing that no one else would want me.  10 years of emotional abuse caused inordinate stress and depression.  Additional weight gain came with that, not really before or after... it was alongside.  Lost the first 200 when I lost him.  Am working on the rest!  LOL

I'm going with depression caused my obesity. 2004 my mother was diagnosed with Breast cancer it hit me hard and i became really depressed. Bam I turned to food. Welcome to obesity!

I don't mean to be flippant, but what does it matter?  Will the answer to the question get you where you want to be?  I know there is a great deal of effort put out by the psychological community surrounding the theorem that you need to understand what made you overweight in order to progress.  From personal experience, however, I never got anywhere until I started making concrete steps toward concrete goals.  Wishy washy worrying about why I was overweight didn't lose me 110 pounds.  Getting out and doing something about it did.

As usual Bert, you're half right.   ;) Why do we study history, using your logic? Does it matter HOW we got here? Not so much--- except that we want to be able to use the strengths we have (as a nation, a world, humanity) to better effect *and* we want to avoid the mistakes of our past. By seeing what did-- and didn't-- work before, we gain perspective that we can apply towards the future. Truth is, a little introspection can go a long way towards self-understanding. And understanding the systems of your body is crucial for holistic wellness.       ****HOWEVER*** A lifetime of contemplating your navel-- wallowing in the past, blaming the parents-- that's of very limited use: I see waaaaaaay too much of it here. Unfortunately, women are socialized to do this: "I have PMS" is easier than to say, "I'm emotional and *****y and shut up or I will eat your face", when the latter is often closer to the truth. When you cut the bull**** it doesn't take long to get to the source of all problems-- which is usually just plain making crappy choices. Interrupting that is, as you surmised, probably more important at a point than locating their roots.

I'm happy to say that I really never had a problem with depression so I can't blame my obesity on that.  Other things that have happened in my life may be a factor, but know use dwelling on those things.  One step in front of the other and gaining control over my food choices I believe is the answer for me.   

"what does it matter?"   It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter to me one way or the other. I think it'll take the same amount of work to get OFF what I've put on- no matter WHY it is on me.... it was just a curious question.  I know I got this way from making poor choices... the only way to get my self back- is to make the RIGHT choices. I definitely don't dwell on the thought/question   LOL  I was just up early and as I was taking my 2 antidepressant tablets, I wondered if I'd be able to drop them once my life gets healthy... and as I thought about it-  that question popped into my head :)   Thanks everyone, for your thoughts/opinions!

It matters because if it is actually depression, no matter what the root cause, it needs medication and/or therapy. Depression can be a subjective term.  It's more than the blues, being down and eating a bag of chips while you're at it. It is a treatable issue and rarely can just go away cuz you're a tough chick or dude. If that is the case, you ain't depressed. You're down, or negative, or pessimistic.  BIG difference there. So, in my opinion, yes, knowing if it is truly depression CAN help you get to where you need to be.  meds can help you be the person you need to be to tackle it.   And, of course, realizing one is truly depressed AND doing something about that is each person's responsibility.  it is NOt okay to just sink with it. Just like being fat, or being diabetic, taking control and getting help is STILL our responsibility.

Understanding why is important because it enlightens you so you don't make the same mistake again in the future.  IMO, there are 2 phases to weight loss, 1 being the initial loss of the weight and 2 being the maintenance.   For phase 1, knowing why doesn't really matter as much. Though it is definitely motivational to go 'ah hah!! so that's why!" (a proverbial super pill perhaps.)  But it is extremely important for phase 2. Once you've lost the weight you have to make sure you don't fall into your old habits. For me.. never been truly depressed.  Obesity didn't cause depression nor did depression cause obesity. I've just always been overweight. Low self esteem wasn't caused by obesity either. That was caused by the little skinny *******s in society saying I'm abnormal and ugly. Most it was the kids in elementary school. :) (Has anyone noticed the spell checker they incorporated into this editor?? wow... was it always here??)

I thought it was a good post it made my mind ponder lol. So to each their own on their belief's on how they became obese and what not. :)