“Is obesity considered a psychiatric disorder?”
My mom thinks my mental health has a lot to do with my weight because I apparently "eat my feelings". Maybe it's true, but I don't know. I'm borderline obese, and my mom is really concerned. Is obesity considered a physical and mental condition? What can I do to help it?
3 Answers
Obesity is not considered a psychiatric disorder, however, the cause of your eating patterns can be. If your relationship with food is unhealthy and you use it to cope with stressors, then that can be a problem and can be worked through in therapy to build healthy and new coping skills that can help you manage stress differently.
It can be either. Obesity is often caused by trying to deal with uncomfortable feelings, but it can have other causes also. If you feel that you want to lose weight a program like Weight Watchers can be a big help. If this doesn't work you can look into a psychological cause.
Hello,
Eating obsessively can be a disorder of control. But obesity can be a metabolic problem. Consult your physician to see how your general state of health is. If you are eating compulsively, you can also consult a mental health professional.
Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD
Eating obsessively can be a disorder of control. But obesity can be a metabolic problem. Consult your physician to see how your general state of health is. If you are eating compulsively, you can also consult a mental health professional.
Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD
