PILING ON THE BLUES

Obesity-linked psychiatric problems are finding their way into many homes
A health survey of more than 40,000 Americans, results of which were published in the April edition of a journal called Psychosomatic Medicine, led researchers at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington to conclude that obese adults were up to twice as likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions as normal-weight adults. In addition, even moderately overweight people had elevated rates of anxiety disorders, the study found. In the US, the pressure to be thin is overwhelming, much more than in India. But similar trends are beginning to surface here too.

Case in point. Eighteen-year-old Alka Pathak weighs 98kg about 30kg overweight and is brilliant at academics. But she stays away from people, does not talk much, is afraid of socialising and often slips into depression. According to her psychiatrist Dr Himanshu Saxena, senior consultant, Jaipur Golden Hospital, New Delhi, the trigger for her mental problems was obesity. 8220;She failed to gain social acceptance, especially among her peers. She got laughed at at school, which destroyed her confidence. So the first step of treatment was to remove her anxiety through counselling and some medicines. We then gradually motivated her to work on the weight bit to ensure a permanent recovery,8221; says Dr Saxena. Of the number of patients who come to him for medical help, 3-4 per cent are obesity-related. 8220;People do not approach us because of obesity. They come with anxiety and depression. When we get talking, it becomes apparent that their illness is produced by the social stigma against obesity. Over the past five years, there has been a 25-30 per cent rise in such cases in India,8221; the doctor said.nbsp;Which layer of society you belong to also determines how much pressure you are under. Dr Bharat Shah, consultant psychiatrist, Leelawati Hospital, Mumbai, says the obese in less educated groups are not as socially sidelined as in the middle or upper middle classes.

The first step in treating obesity-related psychiatric problems, say experts, is to get the patient out of the low self-esteem syndrome. 8220;Being upfront with such patients and suggesting them diets can worsen the case. It is something they know and their inability to initiate anything in the direction is what brings them to a doctor8217;s doorstep. Such people usually tend to avoid socialising because of the fear of being ridiculed. They turn to gadgets like computer or mobile phones for company. So, the idea is first make them feel good about their existence, which can be achieved through behavioural therapy, counselling or medication,8221; says Bangalore-based psychiatrist Dr Supriya Taneja. nbsp;

Medication comes in handy to control the brain8217;s chemical imbalance. 8220;They stimulate the mental transmitters, which become less effective due to tension, fear and pressure. The course of recovery may, however, depend on an individual8217;s willpower and the extent of harm done. But if monitored in the initial stages, psychiatric help even takes care of other clinical and physical aspects of obesity by encouraging a positive thought process,8221; says Dr Shah.