Cambridge: A new study has found that depressed mood can cause weight gain in obese people.
In a study conducted at the University of Cambridge, researchers examined the emotions of more than 2,000 Britons for nine months.
Each month during the study, the subjects were asked about their symptoms of depression. In which more than 90 percent of people were not found to be suffering from depression. However, when people with depression felt more depressed, they gained weight after a month.
On the other hand, no difference was observed in healthy weight subjects.
According to the researchers, obese or overweight people may increase their consumption of high-calorie, fat and sweet foods when they experience difficulties on an emotional level.
The authors scored participants for depressive symptoms out of 24. The scoring was based on their responses to a monthly questionnaire.
In the study, obesity was associated with an average weight gain of 0.36 kg in depressed subjects, while increased negative feelings were associated with an average weight gain of 0.27 kg in overweight individuals.
The researchers warned that weight gain in this way could reach peak levels over months or years.
Slimming classes and weight-loss apps will likely want to know how people feel about their food intake and exercise intensity, he said.
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