Research finds link between being depressed and being too skinny

Experts believe they have found the first evidence of a significant link between being underweight and being depressed.

And it seems both men and women are affected. This differs from depression among obese people, which mostly affects women. However, experts from Seoul National University College of Medicine, who led the study, were unable to say whether depression leads to thinness or vice versa.

Writing in the British Journal of Psychiatry, the team analysed data from 183 separate studies.

They concluded: “In clinical practice, medical care providers should pay attention to the mental health of people who are underweight.”

Dr Agnes Ayton, vice-chairman of the eating disorders faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “This large study confirms that optimal nutrition is fundamentally important for physical and mental health.

“Both being underweight and obese is associated with an increased risk of depression.

“It is an important finding, as people with eating disorders often assume that losing weight will improve their happiness.

“This study shows that the opposite is true and malnutrition has a detrimental effect on people’s mood. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for good mental health.”