Abstract
The American Medical Association recently recognized obesity as both an illness and a leading cause of preventable death and chronic disease. This association is not only linked to physical health outcomes, however, as obesity has also been extensively associated with mental illness as well. Both obesity and severe mental illness decrease quality of life and are associated with an increase in disability, morbidity, and mortality, and when they occur together, these adverse health outcomes are magnified. Despite educational campaigns, increased awareness, and improved treatment options, the high prevalence of mental illness and comorbid obesity remains a serious problem. This review examines this overlap, highlighting clinical and biological factors that have been linked to this association in order to improve our understanding and help elucidate potential therapeutic avenues.
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Christian Avila declares that he has no conflict of interest.
Alison C. Holloway declares that she has no conflict of interest.
Margaret K. Hahn declares that she has no conflict of interest.
Katherine M. Morrison declares that she has no conflict of interest.
Maria Restivo declares that she has no conflict of interest.
Rebecca Anglin declares that she has no conflict of interest.
Valerie H. Taylor declares that she has no conflict of interest.
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Avila, C., Holloway, A.C., Hahn, M.K. et al. An Overview of Links Between Obesity and Mental Health. Curr Obes Rep 4, 303–310 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-015-0164-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-015-0164-9