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Obesity and
mental health

Your mental health can affect your weight, and your weight can affect your mental health. If you’re living with obesity, taking steps to lose weight can have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing.

How does obesity affect mental health?

Obesity can affect mental health in both physiological and emotional ways. Carrying excess weight can change how your body works - including hormones, energy levels, and inflammation - which can influence your mood and how you cope with stress.1 On top of that, social pressures, body image worries, and everyday health challenges can take a toll.2,3 

Understanding these connections can help you take positive steps for both your mental and physical health. If you're finding it hard to start, your doctor can help you find the right support.

Can being overweight cause depression?

The link between weight and depression isn’t fully understood, but research shows that the two often overlap. Genetics and lifestyle factors may play a role, but what is clear is that stress and low mood can affect your ability to maintain healthy habits _ like sleeping well, eating healthy, and staying active _ and, in turn, your weight can also influence how you feel physically and emotionally.2,4,5

You’re not alone in this. Talk to your doctor about what support is available to help you manage your health.

Being overweight and living with depression

Depression can make it harder to maintain routines, follow a balanced diet, or stick to an exercise schedule.2,5 At the same time, societal attitudes and expectations around weight can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, frustration, or shame.6 

If you think you might be suffering from depression, talk to a professional who can support you. Treatment may include therapy, medication, or weight management support.1

Everyone’s journey is different, but you don’t have to go through it alone. 

Chronic stress and weight management

Chronic stress can affect both your mental health and your weight. Understanding how stress impacts your body can help you take steps to feel better and manage your weight.

Can chronic stress cause weight gain or weight loss?

Yes. Stress can affect your weight in different ways. When you’re stressed, your body’s hormones can respond in ways that affect appetite and energy. Some people notice increased 
hunger or cravings that lead to weight gain, while others may lose their appetite and experience weight loss. Stress can also lead to changes in sleep, mood, and energy, which can impact activity levels, food choices, and weight.7

Everyone’s body responds differently, but understanding your stress patterns can help you make small, sustainable changes that support your overall health.

Coping with chronic stress

Managing stress looks different for everyone but making time for habits that calm your body and mind can help you feel more balanced. 


Moving your body regularly, eating nutritious meals, and prioritising rest can all help reduce stress levels.


Mindfulness, journaling, or spending time in nature may also help you reset and recharge.8-10

 

If stress feels constant or overwhelming, seek professional support. Your doctor can help you build healthy coping strategies.

Mental health and weight loss 

Since the impact of being overweight on mental health can be significant, your doctor may advise losing weight as part of treating your mental health. 

Your doctor will help you find an approach to weight loss that works for you.

Mental health after a weight loss procedure

A weight loss procedure can bring big changes - not just to your body, but also to your emotions. Talk with your healthcare team, a therapist, or a support group about navigating these changes and building healthy habits for the long term.

How to lose weight and feel better

Focusing on your mental wellbeing is an important aspect of your overall health. Every effort counts, whether that's being more active, making changes to your eating habits, or seeking professional support.

Learn more about how obesity can affect your health

Find out more about the impact of obesity on your physical health.

Explore obesity and other conditions
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References

  1. Segal Y, Gunturu S. Psychological Issues Associated With Obesity. 2025– In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (Fl): StatPearls Publishing, [cited 2026 August]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603747/
  2. Luppino FS, et al. Overweight, Obesity, and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Longitudinal Studies. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2010;67(3):220-9.
  3. Simon GE, et al. Association Between Obesity and Psychiatric Disorders in the US Adult Population. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63(7):824-30. 
  4. Blasco BV, et al. Obesity and depression: its prevalence and influence as a prognostic factor: a systematic review. Psychiatry. 2020;17(8):715-24. 
  5. Dakanalis A, et al. The Association of Emotional Eating with Overweight/Obesity, Depression, Anxiety/Stress, and Dietary Patterns: A Review of the Current Clinical Evidence. Nutrients. 2023;15(5):1173. 
  6. Imhagen A, et al. A lifelong struggle for a lighter tomorrow: A qualitative study on experiences of obesity in primary healthcare patients. J Clin Nurs. 2023;32(5-6):834-46. 
  7. Konttinen H. Emotional eating and obesity in adults: the role of depression, sleep and genes. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2020;79(3):283–9. 
  8. Worthen M, Cash E. Stress Management. 2025– In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (Fl): StatPearls Publishing, [cited 2026 August]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513300/
  9. Sohal M, et al. Efficacy of journaling in the management of mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fam Med Community Health. 2022;10(1):e001154. 
  10. Meredith GR, et al. Minimum time dose in nature to positively impact the mental health of college-aged students, and how to measure it: a scoping review. Front Psychol. 2020;10:2942. 

 

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