Wednesday, June 23, 2021

"My 600-lb Life" links obesity and depression but weight loss is an antidepressant




I don't think anyone can watch "My 600-lb Life" and miss the connection between obesity and depression. And that's really depressing, BUT it's also encouraging to see how much happier people are when they lose weight. Is weight loss an antidepressant? I lost 100 pounds, diabetes and depression, and I'm giving that two thumbs way up! 

"My 600-lb Life" reveals heart-breaking stories of obesity. Think "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" multiplied hundreds of times. Sadly for Gilbert's mom, gastric bypass surgery was not an option and certainly not a reality TV show like "My 600-lb Life." But even if it was, she would not participated. Which brings me to the point of this post: the obesity/depression connection.

Which came first, depression or obesity? From my own experience being overweight, I'd have to say depression. And weirdly, so was taking an antidepressant. I got overweight after back to back pregnancies which ended in stillbirths. I took Paxil which dulled all my senses including happiness. It removed my built-in limit switches, causing me to overeat without realizing it. 

Then a doctor suggested gastric bypass (in fact he said I'd never be able to lose weight without it). Now I don't take being told "you can't" well. Through the depression and Paxil-induced blur, I heard a challenge. I asked my Higher Power for help and together, we lost 100 pounds. And I cannot begin to tell you how superior weight loss is to Paxil as an antidepressant! 

If you're struggling with depression or weight problems, either under or overweight, I'm praying and pulling for you! Blessings and Love! 

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