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Bariatric Surgery and Mental Health – Addressing Emotional Eating and Health
Eating is an important coping strategy for many individuals. For some, it serves as a way to deal with stress, depression, or anxiety. These individuals may turn to food to make them feel better when faced with challenging emotions. Bariatric surgery provides an opportunity for individuals who have an unhealthy relationship with food to make a change in their physical and mental health.
Understanding Emotional Eating
Emotional eating is a form of disordered eating that involves eating in response to emotions. It can often lead to overeating, which can result in weight gain or obesity. Through bariatric surgery, individuals struggling with their relationship to food can gain control of their eating habits and move closer to a healthier lifestyle.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a procedure designed to help people lose weight and reduce their risk for obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. It works by restricting food intake and absorption, thereby reducing overall calorie intake. Research has shown that bariatric surgery can reduce emotional eating and enable people to better manage their emotions without turning to food.
Improving Mental Health with Bariatric Surgery
Research has also demonstrated that in addition to physical benefits, bariatric surgery can also lead to improved mental health. Bariatric surgery can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, it can lead to improved body image and self-esteem, resulting in greater psychological wellbeing.
Seeking Help
It is important for individuals who are struggling with food addiction, emotional eating, and mental health to seek help. There are several resources available that can provide support and guidance. It is also essential to talk to a health care professional to discuss the options for bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery can be a beneficial solution for individuals struggling with emotional eating and mental health issues. By redefining their relationship with food, individuals can take a step toward better physical and mental health. An increasing number of individuals are turning to bariatric surgery to improve their overall wellbeing.
