Link between obesity and depression has been extensively studied by health experts. Researchers are confused whether obesity leads to depression or depression causes obesity. They explain it as a "chicken and egg case". This is because various studies have shown that obese people are likely to become depressed while people who are suffering from depression have a high probability to turn obese. Researchers have tried to give various reasons to explain the connection between obesity and depression and the causal pathways that lead a person from obesity to depression and vice versa.

• Psychological reasons

Experts believe that obese people are more likely to become depressed because they feel lowly about themselves. They find themselves in poor health and are discontented with their appearance. The connection between obesity and depression was found to be more pronounced amongst women and people belonging to a high socio-economic status. On the other hand, those suffering from depression are at a risk of becoming obese because of physiological changes occurring in their hormonal and immune systems. It has also been seen that depressed people are less likely to take care of themselves and have problems adhering to a fitness regimen. They are likely to develop negative thoughts and overeat to derive a sense of satisfaction.

• Hormonal link

Relation between obesity and depression has also been explained through hormones. In obese people, various hormonal changes take place. In healthy individuals, their body is able to take care of the hormonal balance, but this is not so in the case of obese people. In obese people, more stress hormone called cortisol is produced. This leads to an increase in stress levels, which in turn stimulates their body to store more body fat. This explains why obesity leads to depression and why obese individuals find it hard to resist the urge to eat excessively.

• Biological reason

Scientists suggest that the extra weight in obese individuals causes additional stress on the bones, muscles and joints, leading to more injuries or pain. A constant feeling of lethargy and pain makes them feel depressed.

• Social and societal pressures

Social and societal pressures are the key factors that explain the link between obesity and depression. Modern society glamorises skinny models and slim people while obese people are often ridiculed. This makes obese people unhappy and it even turns them into a recluse. It has been observed that obese people are scared to socialize and often remain at home; a lack of self-confidence and constant loneliness makes depression a common phenomenon for obese individuals.

Obesity and depression should be treated together

As obesity and depression are strongly linked together, experts suggest that the treatment of depression and obesity should also be integrated. For instance, exercise and stress reduction treatments can help to take care of both obesity and depression simultaneously. Regular exercise will make you burn excess calories and release positive hormones that reduce depression. Stress reduction will make you adopt a positive attitude towards life and encourage you to eat healthy, which will help you reduce weight. Experts also suggest that dieting and use of antidepressants should be discouraged. This is because dieting has the potential to worsen mood while antidepressants can lead to weight gain.