Mental illness linked with obesity

According to experts at the BBC, people with mental health issues are more inclined to suffer with obesity as the result of their reluctance to join gyms. This has been put down to paranoia and fear of being judged. The Scottish Association for Mental Health has said that the stats serve to explain why people with poor mental health are more likely to suffer with serious weight conditions. The same study also found that people who suffer with depression and other mental health problems, are more likely to contract diabetes.

Out of 112 people (all with mental health issues) 9% claimed that they would be to embarrassed to exercise in the gym whilst a further 11% were certain they would be judged.

A further 138 people (without mental health problems) were studied in the same way. Just 1% felt they would be too embarrassed to work out in a gym and a mere 2% felt they would be judged. Chief executive of SAMH; Billy Watson said: “Our research presents compelling evidence that people with mental health problems often feel unable to attend local exercise facilities”-BBC,09.

Based on these findings we feel that greater awareness and support should be given to mentally ill patients in order to give them the help required to deal with their issues.