Depression and Weight Loss

There are times when a feeling of sadness, followed by anxiety, draws you to a no return zone, where the mind sulks and sulks more, depriving your body of its needs, by killing hunger and emotions. So if you were misinformed, that weight loss is caused by eating less food or doing more exercises ALONE, then I believe you need to realize a startling fact that an unintentional weight loss could also be because of severe depression symptoms. And this weight loss, unlike the natural weight loss, is not a healthy sign for sure, specially if it is an outcome of depression, an assortment of unfavorable symptoms affecting your mind and body. Basically, depression is a resultant of genetic, biochemical, environmental and psychological factors.

Causes and Symptoms of Depression

Before I elaborate on depression medication and weight loss, let me explain more in detail, about the various depression types that hampers growth of a personality.

• Major depressive disorder (a major depression which inhibits normal functioning of the body, Catatonic and melancholic)
• Dysthymic disorder (Psychotic depression: psychosis and Postpartum depression: post pregnancy)
• Seasonal affective disorder (Depression due to lack of sunlight)

In most cases, undue stress, emotional trauma and low self-esteem are major depression warning signs that induce sudden weight loss, which may not be enduring for a long time. Obese people with self-esteem issues, often succumb to depression, experiencing random weight loss and weight gain frequently. They are often put on appropriate diet plans by dietitians to help them overcome excess weight and self-esteem issues. Another observation is that stress is a stellar contributor towards weight gain during depression. One reason for an increased appetite in that phase, is over secretion of cortisol in the bloodstream. Depression symptoms can be quite alarming as listed below:

• Indecisiveness
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Pessimism
• Fluctuating appetite
• Headaches and digestive disorders
• Empty feelings
• Suicidal tendencies (in worst case)

Depression Medication: Side Effects Like Weight Loss

Basically the above reasons stated for depression, causes a chemical imbalance in the brain, which apparently, relates to the fluctuating levels of serotonin (a monoamine neurotransmitter responsible for pleasant moods). A person suffering from depression may have low levels of serotonin, which causes depression and the antidepressants aid in bringing back the serotonin levels to normal. Most recommended and prescribed medications for depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is very important to check for the right dosage of these SSRI antidepressants, as they can induce headaches, nausea and diarrhea along with weight loss, which are potential side effects of these medication. Some of the approved depression medication names under SSRI are:

• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Prozac Weekly)
• Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)

There are other antidepressant kinds as well, like Heterocyclic (including tricyclic) antidepressants, Psychostimulants, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and serotonin modulators, which are equally effective in fighting depression. But one needs to be aware of the fact that, medications taken in depression and weight loss are quite interconnected. Antidepressants are often consumed for losing weight as well, as many of these medications alter appetite and increase metabolism and energy levels. But, taking these depression medications does not imply that depression is solely caused by shortage of serotonin hormone. Hormonal imbalance, either way is a risky condition, be it more or less than normal levels. And the antidepressants taken to bring hormonal levels to normal, if taken in incorrect dosage, can cause further health issues like drowsiness, excessive weight gain, fluctuating blood pressure levels, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, dry mouth and throbbing headaches.

Besides taking medications, it is advised for patients suffering from depression to resort to natural ways of dealing with depression without drugs, like psychotherapy, acupressure, Yoga and light therapy. These natural treatment options concerning depression and weight loss, will help you out on how to get over depression on your own. Also, a change in diet will definitely help! After all, for a healthy body to sustain, a sound mental health is important. Excessively consuming the above mentioned antidepressants can get lethal, as they also induce suicidal tendencies in adolescents and children. In a few cases, people suffer a severe loss of appetite, which apparently becomes a tangible cause of weight loss. It is mandatory that these medications should always be taken only under medical supervision.