Mounting Evidence Reveals Association Between Obesity and Anxiety

(Newswire.net — August 2, 2022) Orlando, FL — Health authorities have long been warning against obesity, which studies have linked with a myriad of negative health outcomes. 

It has been found to affect about 42 percent of adult Americans and is linked with physical and mental health issues. Those with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30.0. 

Individuals who are overweight have an increased risk of certain health issues, but being obese has been found to be even more dangerous. There are many obese individuals who struggle with emotional distress. 

This is due to the fact that carrying excess weight can trigger negative feelings about one’s self.  There is still a stigma surrounding obesity, and this leads to people with obesity enduring lower self-esteem. 

There are many challenges that obese individuals are confronted with, such as difficulties in participating in positive activities. Obesity is also associated with increased physical health issues and pain, and this increases levels of stress.

Experts say that there are certain health issues associated with obesity, and these include anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. It is worth noting this mental health condition called anxiety is characterized by significant worry. Those who are obese are found to be more susceptible to experiencing anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety can trigger one to have excessive worry about multiple areas of life. When it’s a social anxiety disorder, it means a person’s worry is mainly focused on social interactions with others. 

Those with panic disorder usually experience panic attacks, which are episodes of intense anxiety. It leads in symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, and shortness of breath. There are factors found to potentially contribute to the onset of anxiety that obese people face, such as judgment, increased stigma, health problems, and lower self-esteem. 

Researchers present a biological explanation for the link between obesity and anxiety. Anxiety is found to be associated with heightened activity in a part of the brain known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.  

It is worth noting that the HPA axis is actually involved in numerous functions, such as digestion and emotional regulation. 

Today, scientists are increasingly studying various ways to help people manage a healthy weight. Time and again researchers say that making dietary and lifestyle improvements is vital in warding off obesity. 

It may also be helpful to consider the use of supplements like Divine Bounty L-Carnitine, which may help shed extra pounds. In studies, L-Carnitine has been found to help increase energy levels and this is helpful to individuals who want to achieve exercise performance and adherence (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XF7K9MM).