Obesity and anxiety often occur together. If you’re one of the more than 42 percent of American adults who have obesity, you may be at higher risk for mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Research suggests that experiencing chronic stress and anxiety may also contribute to behaviors related to eating, physical activity, and sleep, which can affect body weight over time.

How do obesity and anxiety influence each other? Understanding the connection can help you explore treatment options and find the support you need.

Anxiety and Obesity: A Two-Way Street

“The last couple of days I’ve been having high anxiety,” one MyObesityTeam member shared. “It’s been so bad I couldn’t get out of bed.”

Anxiety symptoms are common among people with obesity. Here, we explore some of the reasons why these two conditions often go hand in hand.

How Can Anxiety Influence Weight Changes?

Anxiety may affect body weight in several ways. One biological factor is the release of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to long-term stress. Higher levels of cortisol may increase appetite and encourage fat storage, particularly in the abdomen.

Anxiety can also influence behaviors related to eating and physical activity. For some people, heightened stress may lead to emotional eating or changes in physical activity levels, which can contribute to unwanted weight gain over time.

How Can Obesity Contribute to Anxiety?

The relationship doesn’t stop there. Some people with higher weights experience increased anxiety due to social stigma, body image concerns, or discrimination. One MyObesityTeam member shared, “I get anxious being out around people.”

In some cases, people may also experience internalized weight bias, which occurs when a person absorbs negative societal messages about body size and applies them to themselves. This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or stress, even if these beliefs are not based in fact. Over time, this stress may contribute to anxiety and impact mental well-being.

Shared Risk Factors

Several factors can make someone more likely to develop both obesity and anxiety. These include:

• Chronic stress
• Economic hardship
• Exposure to discrimination
• Childhood trauma

The Biological Relationships Between Body Weight and Mental Health

Research has shown that brain chemistry and hormones play a role in both obesity and anxiety.

One key factor is cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Higher levels of cortisol are often found in people experiencing chronic stress or anxiety. We’ve already discussed how cortisol may influence fat storage, especially in the abdominal area. In addition, cortisol can:

• Disrupt sleep
• Increase cravings for energy-dense foods, such as those high in fat or sugar
• Contribute to fatigue

Because energy-dense foods may temporarily reduce stress, some people may turn to them for comfort, reinforcing patterns of emotional eating.

Another important brain chemical is serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and appetite. Serotonin plays a role in signaling fullness after eating, which can help the body regulate food intake. Lower serotonin levels have been linked to increased appetite, which may play a role in obesity.

In addition, metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess abdominal fat — has been associated with both obesity and mental health conditions. Some researchers believe that increased inflammation linked to metabolic syndrome may worsen anxiety, though more research is needed.

Treating Both Obesity and Anxiety

Since obesity and anxiety are connected, an effective treatment plan may address both conditions at the same time. Several strategies may help with stress relief, emotional well-being, and long-term health goals.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-established form of therapy for navigating both anxiety and obesity. In CBT sessions, you work with a therapist to identify unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies for managing stress, emotions, and behaviors.

CBT may help with emotional eating, building self-compassion, staying motivated for physical activity, and coping with body image concerns or weight-related stigma. By improving emotional resilience, CBT may also support overall well-being and long-term health goals.

“I’m feeling better after speaking to my therapist today!” one member shared with MyObesityTeam.

Stress Management Techniques

Reducing anxiety goes beyond therapy — daily stress-reduction strategies can be key to long-term success. Practicing relaxation methods like mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation can help lower stress levels and improve emotional regulation.

Prioritizing your sleep is crucial as well, because poor sleep has been linked to increased stress, changes in appetite, and challenges with weight regulation.

Physical Activity

Exercise is well-known for its benefits in supporting mental well-being and overall health. “Walking this morning and going for a swim at the gym has helped lighten my mood,” one MyObesityTeam member said.

Regular physical activity may help reduce stress hormones, boost endorphins (natural mood enhancers), and promote good quality sleep. Activities that get your heart pumping, like walking, swimming, and biking, support heart health and overall well-being.

Social Support

Finding a strong support system at home, work, or in your community can help you to stick to your lifestyle goals. For example, making friends at the community pool, joining a healthy cooking class, and living with family who have similar health goals can help reduce stress levels and increase positive health behaviors.

Medical Interventions

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications or other medical treatments may be necessary. Working with your doctor, you can explore anti-anxiety medications and treatments for weight management that align with your health needs. “I take an anti-anxiety med when my mental health gets too bad,” one member shared.

Some medications for mental health conditions, such as some antidepressants, have weight gain listed as a possible side effect. If this is a concern, your doctor may be able to help you find a weight-neutral option that meets your needs while still supporting your mental well-being.

Moving Toward a Health-Focused Approach

The connection between anxiety and body weight highlights the importance of focusing on your overall well-being, rather than just a number on a scale. A comprehensive lifestyle plan that combines balanced nutrition, enjoyable physical activity, and mental health support can be more effective and sustainable than restrictive eating patterns.

Instead of aiming for rapid weight loss, consider prioritizing habits that support both physical and emotional health. As one member put it, “Intentions for today: relax, do something productive, get exercise, meditate, eat healthy but not be hungry.”

Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re managing anxiety and an obesity diagnosis, your medical team is here to support you. “Finally, I made an appointment and went to the doctor yesterday for my depression/anxiety,” a MyObesityTeam member said. “Starting a new, long overdue depression medication today.”

Your primary care provider, a registered dietitian, and a mental health professional can work with you to address biological, emotional, and behavioral factors that impact your health. Together, you can create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your needs and goals. With the help of your team, you can take meaningful steps to improve your overall well-being and quality of life.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyObesityTeam, the social network for people with obesity and their loved ones, over 56,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who can relate to their experiences living with obesity.

Have you noticed how your mood is linked to your weight and overall health? How do you manage stress levels and maintain your mental health? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.