What's the Relationship between Depression and Appetite?

How Depression May Affect Your Eating Habits 

There's limited research into exactly why depression leads to appetite changes. However, one study using functional magnetic resonance imaging showed that similar parts of the brain are implicated in both depression and appetite cues. Different brain responses are associated with different changes in appetite, which could indicate that there are different subgroups of depression.

Beyond affecting your hunger levels, depression can influence the types of food you eat. It's common for people who are experiencing depression and feeling unmotivated to opt for quick and convenient meals or snacks. Similarly, the fatigue and lack of energy that often come with depression can make it difficult to feel like preparing and cooking healthy meals from scratch. If you have an increased appetite, you may crave comforting prepared foods. These are often high in sugar and addictive. As well as being an easy option, these foods may give you an initial feel-good buzz, boosting your mood and energy in the short term. However, they can also lead to energy slumps later, making you feel worse in the long run.

Healthy Eating and Depression 

It's easy to see how depression and appetite changes can lead to a cycle of under- or overeating and reliance on convenient foods. We all know about the importance of eating a healthy, balanced diet to maintain your overall health and well-being. This is equally true when it comes to depression. Research shows a link between high-sugar diets and reduced mood. In fact, 95 percent of the mood-boosting chemical serotonin is produced in your gastrointestinal tract. What you put into your stomach really can make a difference to what happens inside your brain.



However, when you're experiencing depression, it can be difficult to muster the energy required to take control of your eating habits. This isn't your fault; remember that appetite changes are common with depression. But that doesn't mean you have to put up with them. Even if you're able to make some adjustments on your own, it's important to seek professional treatment for depression. This can set you on the path toward getting your appetite and diet back in balance as well as improving your mental health.

Seeking Treatment 

Your first port of call will often be your doctor or health care team. They can listen to your concerns and recommend common first-line treatments such as antidepressant medications or talk therapy, which may help ease your symptoms. But we know that for some people, depression can be more persistent, and certain treatments may not be as effective for everyone. One study showed that even after trying two different medications, a third of people weren't free of depression symptoms. If previous treatments haven't helped you, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy is a non-drug, non-invasive option to consider.



TMS is an FDA-cleared treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It works by stimulating areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, so it could help to get both your mental health and your appetite back on track. To learn more about TMS and whether it might be right for you, schedule a no-cost consultation.