For most people who worry about weight gain and try to control it, the process is often part of a bigger picture.

Close analysis of the way individuals work on “diets” and weight control can show us a lot about what’s behind weight issues, whether it is compulsive tendencies, a food environment, associations, or related psychological issues leading to conditions like anorexia or bulimia.  Overall, many of those who struggle with weight gain and weight loss seem to be also involved in dealing with psychological concerns.

Specifically, studies have shown a link between the obesity epidemic in America and another wide-spread malady that affects millions of Americans: depression.  Depressions is a nebulous diagnosis: lots of us may be in that “grey area” where it is hard to pinpoint if and how much we are suffering from depression.  However, scientists and doctors have found that the results of an unhealthy diet lead to changes in the brain’s chemistry that can lead to a “mild” or “moderate” depression.  That means that regardless of whether or not someone is diagnosed, their diet can lead them toward (or away from) the “onset” of this very common ailment.

How are body weight and mood bound to each other?  Well, in a variety of ways, apparently.  But overall, it has to do with the way our body weight AND our diet contribute to how we feel about ourselves and the world around us.

A lower body weight can give us:

• A new sense of confidence or desirability
• An increased range of motion or physical capability
• Change in the way we interact with others

A better diet can:

• Cut down our sugar levels and re-balance chemicals like serotonin for a stabler mood
• Cleanse the system and lead to quicker thinking or mental poise
• Aid in developing our bodies the way we want to

Now, essentially, the goal for someone who is not controlling the above issues is to think about how they relate to the world, including positive associations.  Often, weight gain and out of control eating results from an “attachment” to food.  Many times, that goes along with an “attachment deficit” to other people or other activities.  Basically, those who struggle with diets and eating control need to be straight with themselves, and pursue mental clarity first.  When the goals and problems are both well defined, individuals can take steps to use the synergy between mind and body to their advantage.

This works in several ways.  As the dieters and weight loss wishers start to “be real” about changing their outlook on food, they can also take huge steps toward the mental and physical benefits of fitness by deliberately elevating their heart rates.  We’ve seen that doing cardio training at nearly any level is a keystone to developing the body, and now we know that similar activities also change the mind’s chemisty, releasing endorphins, adrenaline, and other chemicals that actually balance the psyche.  In other words, if you’re not active, your body isn’t helping you feel good.

On the flip side of this, as we begin to get active, we often find that we are better able to create more solid and natural bonds with our environment.  That’s what it means to really take control of weight gain  issues at the root, by focusing the mind and the body on your real and actual goals!