taggit Summary
With an increase in the number of overweight and obese persons globally, it is important to understand the association of these two conditions with numerous physical and mental health disorders. While the link between overweight and obesity with physical disorders is well known, their link with mental health conditions is less often talked about, said Dr Sunil Mittal, senior psychiatrist, and the chairperson, Cosmos Institute of Mental Health Behavioural Sciences. Obesity can both cause mental health problems as well as occur along with psychiatric disorders, said the expert “At other times, a common pathology or physiological disturbance may cause both obesity and a mental disorder – examples being hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome both of which can cause an increase in weight as well as anxiety and depression,” added Dr Mittal. In addition to therapeutic facilities to treat obesity and associated physical and mental health conditions, public health policy and initiatives are required to raise awareness for prevention of obesity as well as for creating a dialogue to reduce obesity stigma.