Underneath the research: Exploring mental health and the body
While my research is important, I think it is necessary to continue the conversation on what my latest publication means, and the surrounding culture of weight loss medications and mental health.
My research titled Association of locus with mental ill-health endophenotypes and cardiometabolic traits: A trans-ancestry study in UK Biobank aimed to check if the gene that is often used to target processes related to weight loss had any evidence it was connected to poor mental health. With our study, we essentially felt it was important because of the increased use of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
Our study did NOT however answer questions like ‘do these drugs cause poor mental health? Or what role do they play?”. Answering those questions is much more complicated and we don’t have enough data to answer them yet. Another way you can look at why we did this study is so if there are adverse affects scientist will know where to look, and our study means that it’s likely mechanisms outside of this gene may be a better place to start investigating.
But aside of the science, topics around weight loss and mental health are just as important to discuss.
Let’s start at the concept of someone’s weight. Society puts a lot of emphasis on a number is the force of gravity on a person. But we see it everyday, where celebrities are ridiculed for looking bigger or smaller (particularly women). And it’s a deeply complex part of biology. How we store fat, where we store fat, and how it changes over times is highly dependant on a singles person biology, environment, and life in general.
“New research reveals that more than four in five UK adults believe people with obesity are viewed negatively because of their weight and 62% Britons think people are likely to discriminate against someone who is overweight.”
But even when we consider how others treat people with bigger bodies, even medical professionals can be dismissive of people who are classed overweight (because of BMI). The truth is our relationship with fat is one of that is not going to be captured in a single blog post.
Drugs like Ozempic (classed as something called an incretin mimetic, which means it mimics specific mechanisms inside your body dealing with insulin and hungry control) are taken for many reasons. Whether someone decides to take them is a deeply personal choice, but often are at the recommendation of a healthcare professional. It is true that people with fat around their heart and organs (often called visceral fat) can increase your risk for heart disease and other illnesses, but understanding your own body composition and whether weight loss medication is needed is not a simple topic.
The relationship that society has with fat and the idea of being ‘fat’ is certainly not one that will be fixed over night. How we handle these conversations and focusing on what we can control should remain at the centre while society gets it shit together. Therefore if we each focus on ourselves and what we can control may be a great short term action while advocating for body positivity and combating fatphobia.
Focusing on what we can do and control: Our own actions, here are some recommendations
Remember Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It involves putting oneself in someone else’s shoes, sensing their emotions, and responding with compassion and care. This important skill fosters deeper connections and facilitates better communication, enhancing relationships both personally and professionally. By practicing empathy, individuals can create a supportive environment where others feel valued and understood. Especially when it comes to judging someone on their body.
Mind your business
Eating disorders, medications, genetics, how much money you make, etc., can all contribute to how someone stores fat. You will never know by looking at someone why they look like they do, so minding your own business is a great way to not engage in a way that is hurtful to others. But you probably already know that.
Someone else’s health is not your responsibility
Acknowledging that someone else’s health is not your responsibility is an important realization. It allows you to focus on your own well-being and personal growth rather than feeling burdened by the challenges others face. Understanding this can lead to healthier relationships, where you support others without compromising your own mental and emotional health. Setting these boundaries is essential for maintaining a balanced approach to caring for both yourself and those around you.
Having fat is necessary for life
Having fat in the body is not only necessary for life but also plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. Fat serves as a vital source of energy, which is essential for our daily activities, supports cell growth and development, and aids in the absorption of important vitamins that our bodies need to function properly. So when we demonise it, it creates a obsession of reducing fat which can be deadly for many people. We need fat, and every person will likely need a different amount than the next. You do not know what that might look like without deep understanding of that persons biology.
Speak up if you see someone being judgemental about someone else’s body
It is important to speak up and voice your opinion if you observe someone being judgemental or unkind about another person’s body. Such comments can have a profound effect on an individual's self-esteem and overall well-being. Encouraging a culture of understanding and compassion can help create a more supportive environment for everyone.
Fat and mental health is a multifaceted and intricate issue that encompasses numerous variables, many of which are not immediately visible or easily understood. The decision to use medication for weight reduction is a deeply personal choice and ought to be free from external judgment or societal pressure. Cultivating a non-judgmental attitude and actively practicing empathy can significantly benefit those who are navigating this complex and challenging landscape. By fostering understanding, we can create a supportive environment that encourages individuals to make informed and compassionate choices regarding their health.
