For many people, their mental health has a profound impact on their physical health. Mental health challenges can cause a person to feel isolated, frightened, and anxious. If you’re feeling stressed or depressed, you may also experience changes in your eating habits. This can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food and weight gain. Fortunately, there are ways to take advantage of your mental health to help you build a healthier body. Here’s how mental health can influence your physique.
Body Image Issues
Body image issues are common in people with low self-esteem and confidence. It can also be triggered by stress, anxiety, and depression. People with body image issues often focus on their weight and diet. They may restrict calories and then feel unsatisfied because they’re not losing weight quickly enough. Or they may develop a larger than normal fear of gaining weight.
Eating Problems
Poor mental health can lead to restrictive eating habits and exercise avoidance. While these behaviors are unhealthy, they don’t have to derail your physique goals.
You can work with a dietitian to see if there are healthier ways to address your goals.
A dietitian can also work with you to create a nutrition and exercise program that will work for you.