HHS HealthBeat (May 06, 2008)

Depression, anxiety, weight and smoking

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

It’s all in your head. Or, at least, it may start there.

A study finds people who are depressed or suffering from anxiety are much more likely to be obese and smoke, which are major risk factors for chronic diseases.

Data came from over 200,000 adults surveyed in 38 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C.

People with current or previous depression had a 60 percent higher chance to be obese.  Those with anxiety had a 30 percent higher chance for obesity. Both groups were twice as likely to smoke.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researcher Tara Strine says:

“Exercise – particularly aerobic and resistance exercise – may be an important element to include in your lifestyle if you have mild to moderate depression or anxiety.”  (9 seconds)

The study was published in the journal General Hospital Psychiatry.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May, 06 2008