New findings on link between mood and weight

Some surprising research out of McMaster challenges a previous belief connecting obesity and depression.

Previous studies have identified more than 60 genes related to obesity. But the gene FTO is seen as a major contributor, increasing a person’s risk of obesity by 30 percent. Other research based on weight management found as a person’s weight increased, so did the likelihood of depression. Likewise, with weight loss, there is a lesser chance of depression. But David Meyre of the Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine says the study found FTO influences more than obesity risk – it offers psychological protection.

“When we did our genetic study we were expecting to have a positive association between the obesity promoting mutation and depression. But we found the contrary because the obesity pre-disposing gene protects from depression.”

Researchers admit it’s a modest decrease in the risk of depression, offering only eight percent. But the information being celebrated by this study is that both obesity and depression have molecular links.

Video: Maria Hayes reports: