A recent study suggests a relationship between mental health and weight. By assessing the weight, height, diet and exercise habits along with body image of more than 4,000 women between the ages 45 and 60, researchers found that women with clinical depression were more than twice as likely to be obese (a body mass index of 30 or more), and obese women were more than twice as likely to be depressed.

The study’s author, Dr. Gregory Simon, believes that the two Findings are related.  In a prepared statement he said, “When people gain weight, they’re more likely to become depressed, and when they get depressed, they have more trouble losing weight,” he said in a prepared statement. Simon suggests that rebuilding self-esteem might help spark weight loss.

Learn more about body image at www.womenshealth.gov/body-image/.

Learn more about mental health and treatment options at www.nami.org.