Depression, as one of the most common mental disorders, not only affects people’s mental health, but can also affect different aspects of life, including body weight. The relationship between depression and weight gain is a topic that has attracted the attention of many researchers in recent years. One of the important mechanisms that explain this connection is the hormonal changes that occur in people with depression. In this article, the effect of depression on weight gain from a hormonal point of view is discussed in more detail.
Depression and hormonal changes An overview
Depression, as one of the most common mood disorders, affects not only the soul but also the physical health of people. This disorder is usually accompanied by changes in weight, and one of the main causes is hormonal changes. A better understanding of these changes and their effects on weight could help improve methods of treating obesity in people suffering from depression. On the other hand, the treatment of obesity can partially prevent the occurrence or aggravation of depression. If you intend to lose weight in a short period of time and in the best possible way, visiting a skilled bariatric surgeon in Tehran can guarantee your satisfaction with the results of the surgery. To see the list of the best bariatric surgeons in Tehran, you can go to this Site refer to
Hormonal system and weight regulation
Our body’s hormonal system plays a very important role in regulating weight, appetite, metabolism and other vital processes. Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced in the endocrine glands and are transported through the blood to different cells in the body. These hormones interact and maintain the hormonal balance of the body. Any disturbance in this balance can lead to various problems including weight gain.
Mechanisms of association between depression and weight gain
The relationship between depression and weight gain is a bidirectional relationship. On the one hand, hormonal changes caused by depression can cause weight gain, and on the other hand, weight gain can also contribute to depression. There are several mechanisms to explain this relationship, including:
- Changes in appetite and food choices: Increased cortisol levels and decreased serotonin levels can increase appetite and the desire to eat high-calorie foods.
- Decreased physical activity: Depression can decrease motivation and energy to engage in physical activity, which in turn can contribute to weight gain.
- Sleep disorders: Sleep disorders are one of the common symptoms of depression. Insomnia or too much sleep can affect hormone levels and contribute to weight gain.
- Effect of antidepressants: Some antidepressants can cause weight gain as a side effect.
Cortisol hormone and its role in weight gain
Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a vital role in the body’s response to stress. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, and the body’s inflammatory response. However, high cortisol levels over a long period of time can have side effects, including weight gain. How does cortisol cause weight gain?
increased appetite
Cortisol can increase appetite and intensify cravings for high-calorie and sweet foods. This is especially true of carbohydrates, as they quickly raise blood sugar levels and cause a rapid drop in cortisol.
Changes in metabolism
Cortisol can change the body’s metabolism and cause the body to store more calories as fat and burn less.
Fat redistribution
Cortisol causes more fat to accumulate in the abdominal area. This type of obesity is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.
Decreased insulin sensitivity
Cortisol can reduce the sensitivity of cells to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that transports blood sugar into cells. Decreased sensitivity to insulin can lead to increased blood sugar and eventually diabetes.
Leptin hormone and its role in appetite regulation
Leptin is a hormone that is mainly produced by fat cells and plays a very important role in regulating appetite and body weight. This hormone is sent as a signal to the brain to inform it that the body’s fat reserves are sufficient and there is no need to consume more food.
Mechanism of action of leptin
- Increased energy consumption: In addition to reducing appetite, leptin also increases the body’s energy consumption. This hormone helps burn calories by stimulating metabolism and increasing body temperature.
- Body weight regulation: In general, leptin helps maintain body weight within a normal range by balancing energy intake and expenditure.
- Reducing appetite: Leptin reduces the feeling of hunger by affecting the nerve centers that regulate appetite in the brain. This hormone works by decreasing the production of hormones such as neuropeptide Y that stimulate appetite and increasing the production of hormones such as melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) that reduce appetite.
The role of leptin in depression and weight gain
In people suffering from depression, disorders in the reward and motivational system of the brain are often observed. These disorders can lead to a decrease in leptin production and resistance to the effects of this hormone. As a result, depressed people may feel more hungry, have a slower metabolism, and be driven to overeating and weight gain.
Reasons for decreased leptin in depression
- Chronic stress: Chronic stress can lead to increased cortisol production. Cortisol is a hormone that is released in stressful situations and can inhibit the production of leptin.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation, seen in many chronic diseases including depression, can also negatively affect leptin production and function.
- Sleep disturbances: Sleep disturbances, which are common in depressed people, can lead to hormonal changes, including a decrease in leptin.
Serotonin hormone and its role in mood and weight
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is also known as the “happiness hormone”. This chemical is produced in the brain and digestive system and plays an important role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep and many body functions.
The role of serotonin in mood
- Mood regulation: Serotonin acts as a mood stabilizer. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, anxiety, aggression, and extreme mood swings.
- Feeling happy and calm: Serotonin helps to create a feeling of happiness, peace and contentment.
- Reducing anxiety: This hormone helps to reduce anxiety and improve concentration.
Relationship between serotonin and weight
Appetite regulation: Serotonin plays a role in appetite regulation. Low serotonin levels can lead to increased appetite, especially for carbohydrates. Also, some research shows that serotonin may also play a role in regulating metabolism.
Other hormones and their role in weight gain associated with depression
As mentioned earlier, hormonal changes play a very important role in the relationship between depression and weight gain. Although cortisol, leptin and serotonin are among the most important hormones that have been studied in this field, there are other hormones that can be involved in this process. In this section, we will examine the role of sex hormones, insulin and ghrelin.
1- Sex hormones
Changes in the level of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone can also affect body weight and appetite. Studies have shown that:
Hormonal changes during menstruation
Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation can affect appetite and mood and lead to weight gain in some women.
Menopause
During menopause, declining estrogen levels can contribute to weight gain, changes in body fat distribution, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Hormonal disorders
Hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is associated with insulin resistance and increased testosterone levels, can lead to obesity and depression.
2- Insulin
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body’s cells do not respond adequately to insulin. This situation can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels and, as a result, an increase in insulin secretion. Studies have shown that:
Insulin resistance and depression
Insulin resistance is associated with depression. This condition can contribute to increased appetite, especially cravings for carbohydrates, and thus weight gain.
Antidepressants
Some antidepressants can affect insulin levels and insulin resistance.
3- Ghrelin
Ghrelin is a hormone secreted by the stomach and known as the hunger hormone. Ghrelin levels increase in hungry people. Studies have shown that:
Increased ghrelin levels in depression
Ghrelin levels can increase in people with depression. This increase can help increase appetite and thus weight gain.
Disruption of the reward system of the brain
Ghrelin can affect the brain’s reward system and contribute to overeating behaviors.
Complex interactions between hormones
Hormonal changes in depression are very complex and different hormones can influence each other. For example, increased cortisol can contribute to insulin resistance and increased ghrelin levels. Also, a decrease in serotonin levels can affect the secretion of other hormones.
conclusion
The relationship between depression and weight gain is very complex and hormonal factors play an important role in this relationship. Changes in the levels of the hormones cortisol, leptin, and serotonin, along with other factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and medications, can lead to weight gain in people with depression. It should be noted that each person with depression has a unique experience and treatment should be personalized for each person.
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