depression

             Weighing the burden of deadly depression
             It is well known that obese or overweight women are more inclined to suffer from depression than women of average weight. However, an article published in USA Today in early February reveals a correlation between weight and depression that most people may not be aware of. A survey of 40,086 adults nationwide shows that obese men are less likely to suffer from depression than men of average weight and "Woody Allen-esque," underweight men are the most likely group of men to be diagnosed with depression and are the most vulnerable to suicide attempts.
             This survey is believed to be the first to link weight with scores on the DSM-IV, the gold-standard test for diagnosing serious depression. Some startling statistics include: (1) Obese women are 37% more likely to have clinical depression in the past year than women of average weight. (2) Obese men are 37% less likely to suffer depression or attempt suicide than normal-weight men. (3) Underweight men have a 77% higher likelihood of trying suicide than average weight men and were 25% more likely to be seriously depressed.
             Where has the need for men to be powerful and muscular come from? Why does society put such a high value on men who can lift lots of weight? I don't know, but I can safely say when I started weightlifting, I didn't do it because I enjoyed it. I began lifting because I felt I needed to if I was going to compete, both athletically and socially. In athletic competition, the larger competitors have both a physical and psychological advantage (intimidation) over the others. And from a social standpoint, men are usually more desirable to women if they are muscular looking. Similarly, muscular men are more easily accepted and respected by their peers. This is not always the case, but I think these statements are fair generalizations.
             If the above statements hold any water, it would only follow that underweig...

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