New study explains why the obese have higher rates of depression Experts have known that obese individuals are more likely to require a prescription to buy Paxil to treat symptoms of depression than slimmer people. A new study may help explain why this association between obesity and depression exists. Experts have known that obese individuals are more likely to require a prescription to buy Paxil to treat symptoms of depression than slimmer people. A new study may help explain why this association between obesity and depression exists. Investigators from the University Hospital of Montreal Research Centre fed groups of mice varying diets and analyzed the brain responses in the animals. The team found that high-fat foods cause the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for rewarding feelings. The researchers pointed out that this is essentially the same effect that is caused by many illicit drugs. The inevitable withdrawal of dopamine, or the "come down," is also the same. Over time, this can take a toll on the brain and lead to the development of depression. "Data shows that obesity is associated with increased risk of developing depression, but we have very little understanding of the neural mechanisms and brain reward patterns that link the two," said lead researcher Stephanie Fulton. "We are demonstrating for the first time that the chronic consumption of palatable, high-fat diets has pro-depressive effects." The findings suggest that altering eating habits may help obese individuals reduce their risk of developing depression and requiring a prescription to buy Paxil.

See also ...

• AAP statement: Recess key for healthy kids
• Study finds cancer screening rates lower than U_S_ goal
• Study shows keeping emotions bottled up can be unhealthy
• CDC study looks at cardio health of states and healthy participants
• Governor Brown being treated for prostate cancer
• High blood pressure may speed up cognitive aging
• New associations found between depression and heart failure
• Testosterone low in young men with obesity
• This red fruit may boost your health
• Loss of smell linked to neurological conditions
• Science unveils the wandering mind
• Insulin-blocking protein unraveled
• New biomarkers could result in better prevention and treatment for type 2 diabetes
• The battle over BPA wages on
• New research links cell death during cardiac events to calcium overload
• "The Biggest Loser" helps science understand weight loss extremes
• Study finds increased risk of cardiovascular disease with poor diabetes care
• Small amounts of exercise can improve morale of overweight adolescents
• Doctors put heads together to tackle difficult-to-treat depression
• Too much glucose control for diabetes patients may cause aspirin resistance
• Apples could improve heart health by lowering "bad" cholesterol
• Dark chocolate improves memory in snails
• African spiny mice regenerate skin without any scars
• International study bolsters understanding of heart disease and stroke
• Lack of sleep may increase diabetes risk, study finds
• Retired military leaders say many Americans are 'Too Fat to Fight'
• Knee replacement revision procedures on the rise, research shows
• High schoolers protest healthy lunches
• Combat-related PTSD may improve with integrated treatments
• Aging population could have ongoing impact on economy
• Yogurt consumption linked to low blood pressure
• New study says ginkgo biloba does not enhance memory or thinking
• Sugary beverages linked to weight gain
• Researchers try to pinpoint risks of alcoholism relapse
• Sibling-less children are more prone to obesity, study says
• Alcohol abuse is a better indicator than dependence for hereditary risk, according to study
• Working out reduces stress and anxiety, study says
• Lives of women preserved by breast cancer screening, Australian research says
• Insomnia is rampant in the UK
• Heart attack care and outcomes are notably bad for women under 45, says study
• Scientists say brain stimulation could combat obesity
• Teens who have oral sex are likely to engage in other risky sexual behavior
• New Alzheimer's treatment is proven ineffective
• Pumping iron could reduce one's risk of type 2 diabetes
• Scientists work on a cure for type 1 diabetes
• Olympians are not immune to osteoarthritis
• New drug therapy approved for breast cancer
• Researchers alter behavior in monkey using optogenetics
• No difference in metabolic rates found between hunter-gatherers and desk workers
• HIV funding is critical despite economic crisis