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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : July 20, 2014 6:47 PM IST
A new study has revealed that weight management programs also help in reducing depression among black women. Dori Steinberg, lead author, said that the interventions that focus on maintaining one's weight, may have more widespread effects and that, they were able to reduce depression, among a population that was severely socio-economically disadvantaged and had limited access to depression treatment, the result of which was comparable to what is seen with traditional approaches like counseling or medication treatment. (Read why depression is a serious ailment that needs to be treated. )
The study by researchers from Duke University also revealed that black women with depression, compared to their white counterparts, are less likely to receive treatment for it (39.7 percent vs. 54 percent ) and among those who seek treatment, blacks are less likely than whites to receive care that corresponds to clinical practice guidelines. According to the study, depression was three times more common for those with incomes below the federal poverty level.
The study further showed that obesity was also more severe among black women, relative to other racial/ethnic groups, which could lead to a higher prevalence of obesity-related chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease and black women find it more difficult to lose weight. Steinberg stated that these higher occurrences may also have an impact on psychosocial outcomes such as depression, and hence interventions that focus on behavioral weight control may present a useful opportunity to address both obesity and depression. This study is published in the American Journal of Public Health.
How to lose weight?
Losing weight is a constant worry for several people but how to go about it is a bigger issue. With everyone from your mum to your maid sharing tips, it can be a daunting task to filter out what's really right for you. In this article, we share a few pointers that can help you effectively shed a few kilos.
Work out regularly
There are no two ways about it! You want to lose weight, you need to get moving. You haven't piled on the kilos in one day so it will take regular efforts from your end to lose your flab. The kind of workout method to pick to fulfil this task is up to you. It can be the traditional way of joining a gym where you do a mix of cardio and weight training, it can be something holistic like yoga or other, newer methods such as Zumba, kick-boxing, etc. You can also opt for the slow and steady walking, jogging, and more. But whatever you pick, make sure you do it regularly so as to see good results.
Monitor your diet
Ask any nutritionist or fitness professional and they will tell you how important it is to monitor what you eat if you want effective weight loss. In fact, diet plays a 70% role in determining how much we lose! It is therefore essential you give it the importance it deserves. An hour of workout does not entitle you to eat a chocolate brownie or cheesy pasta. Have a low-cal version of what you like and avoid junk food.
Tips to beat depression
Rachel Hercman lists down some tips which can help people suffering from depression overcome or lessen its effects.
Social support: Having close friends and family can provide love and support for someone who is struggling with depression. For some, going to support groups, whether in person or online, can have a tremendous effect on the person's feeling of support and empathy from others who truly understand them. Surroundings are important and being surrounded by sources of positive energy can make a difference. Some people with depression find that helping other people makes their depression symptoms feel better and improves the way they feel about themselves.
Physical health: Getting enough rest, eating nourishing foods, getting exercise, and taking time to unwind can all be helpful. The mind and body are all part of the same entity, and all areas of functioning are connection. Some people with depression find it helpful to meditate, do yoga, practise mindfulness, and spend time doing concentrated breathing while thinking positive thoughts about themselves.
Addressing triggers: Figuring out what triggers bring on depression or make the depression worse is important and can take time to figure out. But once it is clear, avoiding those triggers or learning how to deal with them can be a crucial piece. Some triggers in life can't be avoided, as life is filled with stress and unpredictability. But accepting that reality and developing a toolbox can make a person more able to deal with life's challenges, both big and small.
With inputs from ANI
Image Source: Getty Images
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