Obesity and atypical depression: two conditions that can create a feedback loop

People suffering from obesity who are prone to metabolic dysfunctions are more at risk of developing atypical depression, but solutions exist to deal with it, according to researcher Stéphanie Fulton. She presented her research on the links between obesity and depression prior to the opening of the 16th Canadian Congress of Neuroscience, held from May 28 to 31 in Montreal. According to Fulton, full professor in the department of nutrition and principal researcher at the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, diets high in saturated fat can cause neuro-inflammation responsible for depressive and anxiety disorders. The risk is increased when obesity is accompanied by metabolic dysfunctions, such as hyperglycemia, hypertension, insulin resistance and hypercholesterolemia. ‘Cycle of despair’ Over time, toxins generated by inflammation of the gastrointestinal system make the blood-brain barrier increasingly permeable. This allows inflammation to spread to the brain via the neuro-vascular system and promote the onset of depressive symptoms, due to its impact on neural connections. These findings, published in Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, are important for people with obesity and atypical depression. Unlike melancholic depression, it is manifested in particular by hyperphagia. However, the overconsumption of comfort foods—rich in sugars and fats—aggravates obesity, and therefore the depressive symptoms caused by neuro-inflammation. Read: Is Ozempic really a miracle weight loss drug? Fulton and her colleagues refer to this as a “cycle of despair” that simultaneously fuels depression and obesity. It is therefore important to recognize the specific and lesser-known symptoms of atypical depression to refer patients to specialists, according to the researcher. In addition, taking antidepressants can also promote weight gain. Palm oil, for example, omnipresent in ultra-processed foods, constitutes a major danger because it is stored in the abdominal fatty tissues, which are in contact with the visceral organs. “The risks of depression are greater in individuals with abdominal obesity,” wrote the researcher, noting that studies show no increase in the incidence of depression, or just a slight increase, in obese individuals who are metabolically healthy. This is why the professor recommends that doctors measure waist circumference in addition to body mass index (BMI). “It’s a better indicator of metabolic dysfunction because it’s [a region] much more pro-inflammatory,” she explains. Prevention and lifestyle improvement If diets are sometimes ineffective due to the rebound effect or genetic factors of obesity, other solutions exist to fight against metabolic dysfunctions. For example, “10 minutes of physical activity three times a week can decrease insulin resistance,” said Fulton. According to her, walking, especially when it becomes a habit, also strengthens the cardiovascular system. Taking omega-3 supplements can also be beneficial, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. “We have been able to show on mouse models that, even when they are already obese, fish oil rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s protects if taken daily,” she said. Read: Why we should never discount the value of sleep

Obesity and atypical depression: two conditions that can create a feedback loop

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