Feeling fat? Chances are, you are feeling happy, too. New research has a surprising twist on the correlation between body weight and mental wellbeing in women.
According to an article in Science Daily, researchers at the Helmholtz Zentrum München have reported that while gaining weight gain may compromise physical health in females at least, it led to an improved mental quality of life, even for women who were already overweight.
The seven-year long study of more than 3,000 people examined the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and mental quality of life via a questionnaire.
"The results show that the influence of body weight on physical and mental health is complex," said Professor Dr. Rolf Holle. "However, the understanding of these associations is crucial for developing medically effective and cost-effective strategies to prevent and manage obesity. The challenge is to prevent weight gain and its harmful health consequences, such as diabetes, while simultaneously structuring the programmes in such a way that they counteract impairments in mental well-being."
Germany, like much of the Western world, is in the thralls of an obesity crisis, with around 60 percent of the adult population said to be overweight or obese. But even though weight gain can make you happier, it may also make you lonelier.
Personally, I'm not surprised by these findings. While I've been more relaxed and contented when at my heaviest, my confidence takes a nosedive. I may be bitchy when slim, but I certainly feel more confident and assertive. Sad but true.
Are you at your happiest when you happen to also be at your heaviest? Spill it.
A family from North Carolina received a touching message from a stranger while dining out recently. According to an article in the Daily Mail, Ashley England enjoyed a dinner with her eight-year-old son Riley. Non-verbal and suffering from epilepsy, Riley became disruptive during the meal, banging on the table.
But instead of staring or making a rude comment, a stranger footed the family's entire bill, then sent over a note saying, "God only gives special children to special people."
What a tonic this is, compared with the vile note that was recently sent to this Ontario family.
Big news today is that Ariel Castro, who was sentenced to life in jail for holding three teens captive in his Cleveland home, has committed suicide. According to an article in the Toronto Sun, Castro was found hung in his Ohio prison cell, where he was held in solitary confinement.
The 53-year-old former school bus driver was given "life plus 1,000 years" in prison for abducting, imprisoning and repeatedly abusing his victims for a decade.
Amanda Berry, 27, Gina DeJesus, 23, and Michelle Knight, 32 were rescued earlier this year by a neighbour who heard their screams for help. The home where the women were held was recently destroyed, and they have slowly been rebuilding their lives after the sensational escape.
Castro had been undergoing mental and physical evaluations, and would have later been transferred to a permanent location.
A suicide note and confession were found in Castro's home after his arrest in May. During his sentencing, Castro apparently blamed his actions on a sexual obsession and abuse he was subjected to as a child.
"I am not a monster," he said.
Now the women can fully experience the peace they deserve.
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