Question:
Study links obesity, women, & depression.

GoodHousekeeping June 2000 - "What comes first: the chicken or the egg? Does obesity cause depression in women or do depressed women eat more and become obese? In an attempt to correlate the body mass index with symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts and attempts, researchers interviewed more than 40,000 women for a study published in the American Journal of Public Health. Obesity was associated with an increased risk of depression in women, but not for men. The occurrence of obesity raised a woman's probability of being diagnosed with debilitating depression by 37 percent. The lesson for doctors, according to the study's authors, is that when they are treating an overweight or obese female patient, they should be on the lookout for signs of depression." This is my personal experience big time. When Phen/Fen first came out, I asked a doctor for it before most knew what it was. I remember her telling me she couldn't prescribe it until she researched it, but she did diagnose me with depression... something I didn't even bring up. I remember being mostly depressed after the doctor appointment because I didn't get the much needed drugs and I knew that my weight was my main depressive issue. I ended up not using anti-depressants she gave me because of side-effects, but a few years later another doctor suggested depression (both of these doctors were females) and I started on an anti-depressant that has changed my life. Just wanted to share... Love,    — Shar /. (posted on May 4, 2000)

May 4, 2000
Great article Shar. I only have one thing to say to the author....DUH!!!!!! Women are given articles that tell them how to fix their already perfect bodies...what do they think will happen when we "discover" that we are not and will never be "perfect". If women were taught to strive for health instead of a visual ideal, this world would have a lot more happy, healthy women and not so many obese ones. I don't think it really matters if it was the chicken or the egg. It was the chicken BTW...LOL!
   — S S.

May 4, 2000
Shar, Just a comment from a long time sufferer of depression. I had my first major bout with depression as an average weight teen, and then in cycles over the years, until I had a complete breakdown about 11 years ago. I have had small bouts due to feeling bad over my weight, but I have to say that I don't feel that weight is a major factor, it is just a contributor. Depression is caused by a lack of serotonin in the brain. One common food that adds this to our system is chocolate. I can truly say that when I went on medication for the depression, my craving for chocolate lessened greatly. I have recently cut down on my meds getting ready for surgery and have found myself buying a candybar every day. For those of us who truly suffer from depression on a long term basis, it is an insideous illness. Many who aren't familiar with the illness call anti-depressant drugs "feel good" pills, "Having a bad day? Have a prozac,". I only wish it were so easy. Many of these drugs have problem side effects which cause their users to stop taking them, which sets up a new cycle of depression. I know only too well the thought that only suicide could take away this incredible pain. However, I have made up my mind that side effects or not, I will stay on my meds, have this surgery, and take away one of the contributors of this illness. I have only one other thing to say which is, "Get counseling!" Nothing can take the place of a good counselor to help us understand why we do the things we do. Jill
   — Jill C.

May 4, 2000
Hi Shar: Thanks for posting this! I remember being clinically depressed (although undiagnosed) as a teen. I was overweight, but not obese. Just larger than most people my age. It's given me much pause for thought! Now, let's see....would depression (vs overweight) be the chicken, or the egg? LOL....just trying to figure out Steph below....hehehe.....Hugs, Jaye
   — Jaye C.

May 4, 2000
LOL JayeC, When you get me figured out please, please, please let me know! I have a huge list of people that have been working on that one for over 30 years. Depression is not fun and not easy! Good to see that this surgery can really help in so many areas. :o)
   — S S.

May 4, 2000
I have been on medication for clinical depression for 7 years. I've been obese almost all of my adult life. I also have PCOS, which is Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. The symptoms of this syndrome include obesity and depression. The doctors do not know whether the obesity causes PCOS or if PCOS causes obesity. Another example of "which came first." I will be curious to find out if my PCOS goes away when I lose down to a normal weight. Also if the depression changes. I'm ten weeks post-op from a Lap RNY and am ELATED to report that I finally broke an 8 day plateau yesterday, losing (get this) 4 pounds in one day! What is going on with my body? Maybe I have a bad scale. Anyway, I'm finally at 53 pounds down and am beginning to feel a little more optimistic than I was feeling last week. Thanks to everyone for their support.
   — Elizabeth M.