Clarity Bariatrics (Lap band Centers of Texas) Recognizes the Impact Weight may have on Depression

By Ronald A. Duperroir, Principal, Clarity Bariatrics posted October 25, 2009

As far back as 1990 data has been collected and studies have been conducted regarding the relationship between excess weight and depression.  A study conducted at Ohio State University, written by C. E. Ross in 1990 asks “Is being overweight distressing?”  “If it is, is the distress due to negative appraisals by others, to the stresses of trying to fit norms of thinness by dieting, or to the health consequences of being overweight?  If being overweight is stigmatizing, negative evaluations by others may be internalized as high levels of depression.”  This study predicts that being overweight has a direct effect on depression, and that the effect is greater in social groups where being overweight is less common, especially among women, Whites, younger people, the well-educated, and the well-to-do.  Additionally, Ross reports that being overweight in itself may not be distressing per se.  Instead, he reports that by attempting to fit the norms of appearance that equate thinness with attractiveness by dieting is distressing.  According to this perspective, the association between being overweight and depression is explained by dieting.  Finally, this association may be due to the health consequences of being overweight.   In a random sample, the University examined responses of 2,020 U.S. adults aged 18-90 via telephone interviews conducted in 1990.  Their results showed that being overweight has no direct effect on depression in any social group except among the well-educated.  Overweight persons are more likely to diet and to experience worse physical health, both of which are associated with depression.  Combined, these explain the negative effects of being overweight on depression.  

Now let us zoom forward in time a 20 years in time to 2009 as we learn more about obesity and depression.  In a recent article provided below, Primary Care Doctors are being asked by their professional organization to screen all patients for depression thus, fulfilling a key role in combating under treatment of depression.  It is claimed that more than one third of the population may be suffering from some form of depression and this group of people live life untreated.   It stands to reason that if 25% of the population is consider overweight – obese, as reported by government agencies  – we can conclude that obese people make up a significant of the one third of people who have depression but are not diagnosed.  We have sensed and shared this concern for some and find justification for additional research. 

Obesity and Overweight (Data are for the U.S. by the CDC)

• Percent of non-institutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are overweight or obese: 67% (2005-2006)
• Percent of non-institutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are obese: 34% (2005-2006)
• Percent of adolescents age 12-19 years who are overweight: 18% (2005-2006)
• Percent of children age 6-11 years who are overweight: 15% (2005-2006)
• Percent of children age 2-5 years who are overweight: 11% (2005-2006)

The physicians associated with Clarity Bariatrics (aka Lap Band Centers of Texas) support the concept of total well being of personal health when it comes to surgical weight loss.  

Every patient who presents to one of our many clinics is required to have a psychiatric evaluation conducted prior to surgery.  Patients who are enrolled in the Clarity Bariatric program are also encouraged to continue undergoing psychiatric counseling as they lose weight.  We believe this process helps patients adjust to their new bodies and how they perceive changes in how society reacts to “the new them.”   Our Bariatric Coordinators arrange for individual therapy with clients along with facilitating psychotherapy support groups, and psycho educational groups.  Programs like these not only help our patients to achieve their goals but assist those to overcome challenges that may require treatment of hidden mental trauma,  anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, and stress management. 

Weight loss issues and their overall impact on the total health of a person has been a long time passion for those associated with Clarity Bariatrics.  We recognize that not all people will be able to lose weight under traditional dieting plans and therefore, we strongly believe in surgical weight surgery.  We also believe in the in the power of support groups and in the importance of helping people learn new behaviors so they can be successful and achieve their weight loss goals.  Our surgeons talk patients about the importance their primary care physician plays in their overall wellness; that surgery, psychiatric and nutritional counseling are just some of the tools the primary care doctor has available to them to keep them well.  We often see patients who self refer to us for the Lap band procedure without obtaining guidance from the primary care doctor.  While we accept the pursuit of the patient’s request, we keep the primary care doctors in the loop and encourage the patient and specialty physicians to do likewise. 

Sources:  

Ohio State University, C. E. Ross 1996

CDC Health, United States, 2008, Table 70