ABSTRACT
The relationship between obesity and mental health has been a topic of interest to both researchers and the media for many years. Obesity used to be perceived as a mental illness, but was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders during development of the third edition because there was no consistent associated psychopathology; it is now considered a medical disorder, much like type 2 diabetes. However, obesity is still recognized as both a precipitant and a consequence of psychopathology. For obese persons, the psychosocial consequences of living with excess weight are only too familiar and may in some instances be more distressing than the many medical comorbidities associated with obesity. There is also good evidence to suggest that mental health problems (e.g., depression) or their treatments (e.g., psychiatric medications) can lead to obesity. Thus, a bidirectional relationship exists between obesity and some mental health problems. Historically, there has been concern that dieting and weight loss, as well as some weight loss medications, can cause or exacerbate depression. As such, most individuals who meet criteria for anxiety or depression are routinely screened out of weight loss trials, so the eld knows little about how best to treat obese persons with comorbid mental health issues.
