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.
Printer-friendly version