Depression effects on body
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Effects of Depression on the Body
Introduction to Depression and Its Physical Manifestations
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a psychiatric condition that significantly impacts mood, behavior, and overall health. It is characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Beyond its mental health implications, depression can manifest physically, causing changes in appetite, sleep patterns, energy levels, and concentration. Physical symptoms may include headaches, unexplained aches and pains, and digestive issues 5.
Brain Plasticity and Depression
Changes in brain plasticity are a significant factor in depression. Brain plasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience. Depression can negatively affect brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to mood regulation and cognitive processes. Exercise has been shown to positively influence brain plasticity, potentially reshaping brain structures, activating related brain areas, and maintaining the integrity of hippocampal and white matter volume. This can improve neuroprocessing and delay cognitive degradation in depression patients 1.
Depression and Somatic Health
Depression is closely linked with various somatic health issues. It can adversely affect overall health outcomes and is often associated with chronic stress, which can lead to systemic illnesses. For instance, depression has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The interplay between mood and the immune system is also significant, with stress-related changes in mental states affecting susceptibility to illness 2. Additionally, depression can lead to reductions in bone mineral density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis 2.
Body Size, Weight Change, and Depression
Body size and weight changes are closely associated with depression. Underweight individuals have an increased risk of developing depression, while the relationship between overweight and depression varies by gender. Obesity, particularly severe obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m²), is strongly linked to higher rates of depression. These findings highlight the complex relationship between body composition and mental health 3.
Body Image and Depression
Depression significantly impacts body image, including body attitude, body satisfaction, and body awareness. Depressed individuals often have a negative body attitude and lower body satisfaction, which can exacerbate depressive symptoms. Treatment for depression can improve these aspects of body image, suggesting a strong association between body experience and depression severity 4. Higher BMI is also associated with larger perceptual body size and greater body image dissatisfaction, independent of depression severity 8.
Exercise and Depression
Exercise is a powerful tool in managing depression, offering benefits comparable to antidepressant medication and psychotherapy for mild to moderate depression. For severe depression, exercise serves as a valuable complementary therapy. It not only improves mental health but also enhances physical health, body image, stress coping strategies, and quality of life. Incorporating motivational strategies in exercise interventions can enhance adherence and effectiveness 7. Yoga, in particular, has shown promising results in reducing depressive symptoms and improving mood 9.
Genetic Factors: FTO Gene, BMI, and Depression
Genetic factors also play a role in the relationship between depression and body composition. The FTO gene, associated with obesity, has been found to interact with depression, influencing BMI. Individuals with depression who carry the risk allele of the FTO gene tend to have a higher BMI, suggesting a genetic link between depression and obesity 10.
Conclusion
Depression is a multifaceted disorder that affects both mental and physical health. It impacts brain plasticity, somatic health, body size, weight, and body image. Exercise and physical activity are effective in managing depressive symptoms and improving overall health. Understanding the complex interplay between depression and physical health is crucial for developing comprehensive treatment strategies.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Exercise, brain plasticity, and depression
Exercise can improve depressive symptoms and levels, reshaping brain structure and promoting behavioral adaptation changes.
Systematic Review
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedDepression: Body and Brain
Depression negatively impacts overall health and can be influenced by factors outside the central nervous system, highlighting the complex interrelationship between depression and overall health.
Rigorous JournalAssociation between body size, weight change and depression: systematic review and meta-analysis
Both underweight and obesity increase the risk of depression, with the association between overweight and depression differing by gender.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalHighly CitedBody attitude, body satisfaction and body awareness in a clinical group of depressed patients: An observational study on the associations with depression severity and the influence of treatment.
In clinically depressed patients, medium to strong associations exist between body attitude, satisfaction, and depression severity, with treatment reducing depression and improving body awareness.
Non-RCTRigorous JournalDepression
Depression can cause prolonged feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, as well as changes in appetite, sleeping patterns, energy levels, and difficulty concentrating.
Highly CitedCorrelation of body composition with depression level
Height, body weight, and BMI significantly impact depression levels in women aged 19 to 30 years.
Observational StudyExercise therapy improves both mental and physical health in patients with major depression
Exercise therapy improves mental and physical health in patients with major depression, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of traditional treatments.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedContributions of depression and body mass index to body image.
Depression and higher BMI independently contribute to larger body size perception and higher body image dissatisfaction, with no interaction effect between the two factors.
Observational StudyEffects of body-oriented yoga: a RCT study for patients with major depressive disorder
Ashtanga-Yoga has a trendsetting additive effect after 3 months on psychopathology and mood in patients with major depressive disorder, with greater improvement at the beginning of the intervention.
RCTRigorous JournalInteraction between the FTO gene, body mass index and depression: meta-analysis of 13701 individuals†
Depression increases the effect of the FTO gene on BMI, contributing to the association between obesity and depression.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous Journal