Being skinny is linked to depression, say scientists
- Seoul National University of Medicine analysed data from 183 separate studies
- Being underweight may trigger the mental health disorder or reduce appetite
- Overweight people are also more at risk of depression, but only among women
- The results may help mental health disorder sufferers to overcome symptoms
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Alexandra Thompson Health Reporter For Mailonline
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Being skinny is linked to depression, a study reveals.
Both underweight men and women are affected by the mental health disorder.
It is unclear whether being thin is a direct cause of depression or if sufferers have a reduced appetite and are therefore more prone to weight loss.
The study also found a link between obesity and depression, but only in women.
Researchers from Seoul National University of Medicine analysed data from 183 studies.
Their findings show that obesity proportionally increases the risk of depression, so the fatter you are, the more depressed you are likely to feel.
They said: ‘Both underweight and obesity increase the risk of depression.
‘In clinical practice, medical care providers should pay attention to the mental health of people who are underweight.
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‘Likewise, women who are overweight and obese populations should also be monitored for possible depression.’
Past research reveals men are more likely to be ‘jolly fat’ than women.
The researchers said: ‘It seems that the current ideal of thinness affects women more than their male counterparts and causes more psychological distress in women, which can, in turn, lead to depression.
‘In contrast, men who are overweight showed a significantly decreased risk of depression.’
The findings could have important implications for the management of the mental health disorder.
Dr Agnes Ayton, vice-chairman of the eating disorders faculty, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: ‘This large study confirms that optimal nutrition is fundamentally important for physical and mental health. Both being underweight and obese is associated with an increased risk of depression.
‘It is an important finding, as people with eating disorders often assume that losing weight will improve their happiness.
‘This study shows that the opposite is true and malnutrition has a detrimental effect on people’s mood.
‘Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for good mental health.’
Bethany Tomlinson, from Somerset, said she was depressed when she was skinny in 2014 (pictured). She has since put on weight and muscle
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