Obesity is a condition that affects a significant number of people worldwide. According to a recent study conducted by researchers from the Medical University of Vienna and the Complexity Science Hub, people with obesity are more likely to suffer from mental health disorders than the general population. The study aimed to determine whether obesity leads to mental health disorders or vice versa. The researchers analyzed a population-wide dataset of hospital admissions from 1997 to 2014 and found that obesity is usually the first diagnosis, followed by mental health disorders.
The study revealed that obesity significantly increases the likelihood of various mental health disorders, including depression, nicotine addiction, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders. The researchers emphasized the need to raise awareness of psychiatric diagnoses in obese patients and consult specialists in the early diagnosis phase. The study also found significant differences between genders, with women having a higher risk of mental health disorders than men, except for schizophrenia and nicotine addiction.
The researchers developed a new method to determine which disease typically occurs first and which follows. They found that obesity is usually the first diagnosis, except in the case of schizophrenia. The study challenges the assumption that psychopharmacological medications are responsible for the observed link between mental health disorders and obesity or diabetes. The researchers suggest that obesity may have a direct impact on mental health or that early stages of psychiatric disorders may be insufficiently identified.
In conclusion, the study highlights the need to address the mental health implications of obesity and to develop effective interventions to prevent and treat both conditions. The findings also underscore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders in obese patients.
