A Risk for Young Adults

IN THE UNITED STATES-- 48 percent of kids between the ages of two and nineteen fall into the 85 th and 95 th percentile on the Body Mass Index which means they are identified as obese In 2004, the World Health Report showed that depression was the leading cause of disability in the world. Many people who are obese are also depressed

“Child Obesity.” obesity

The Question: Does depression cause a person to gain weight or does gaining weight cause depression? Whatever the cause, depression in young people who are obese makes it even harder for them to adjust to their social situation, and they will likely become even more depressed. This is a harmful cycle that needs to be studied well so young people can get the help they need.

Depression “Counseling Youth With Depression,” prevalencemagnitude.html

The Center for Disease Control reports: Forty-three percent of adults with depression were obese. At every age, women with depression were more likely to be obese than women without depression. The number of adults with obesity rose as the depressive symptoms increased

Symptoms of Depression “Teen Depression.” depression.html

“Depression and Obesity.” obesity-is-there-a-link

Treatment Doctors also are trying to figure out how to treat both conditions for good results. Treating depression is easier than treating obesity. So, it is recommended that depression be treated early, and in young people, as soon as possible. A team approach is best—with a nutritionist, medical doctor and counseling, along with anti-depressants

“Overcoming Depression.”