Obesity and mental health are deeply connected — yet too often, people are only offered advice about diet and exercise, while the emotional toll is ignored. If you’re living with obesity, you may be carrying more than physical weight. You might be battling shame, isolation, low self-esteem, or even depression and anxiety. At Greater Houston Counseling Services, we understand that your struggles are complex, and your care should be too. We’re here to help you explore the mental health side of your experience with compassion, honesty, and support.
Common Mental Health Concerns:
- Low self-esteem – persistent feelings of inadequacy or self-criticism
- Eating disorders – such as binge eating disorder or emotional eating patterns
- Chronic stress – which can both contribute to and result from weight-related challenges
- Depression – feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest that can impact daily life
- Anxiety disorders – including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic attacks
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) – distress related to perceived flaws in physical appearance
- Social isolation – withdrawing from relationships or activities due to shame or stigma
- Sleep disorders – including insomnia and sleep apnea, which are linked to both obesity and mood disturbances
Helpful Links
- Academy for Eating Disorders (AED) - A multidisciplinary professional organization that focuses on Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder and related disorders. Also sponsors a newsletter and a conference.
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - Formerly the American Dietetic Association, offers information about eating disorders, including an extensive nutrition reading list and a professional directory that allows visitors to search for Dietitians specializing in eating disorders.
- Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) - The Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is the national organization focusing on increased prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for Binge Eating Disorder.
- Diabulimia Helpline - Diabulimia Helpline is the world's first non-profit organization working to help those afflicted by diabulimia, and raise awareness of this deadly disease.
- Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC) - This website offers the opportunity to join advocacy efforts at the federal level.
- F.E.A.S.T. - F.E.A.S.T. is an organization of and for parents and caregivers to help loved ones recover from eating disorders by providing information and mutual support, promoting evidence-based treatment, and advocating for research and education to reduce the suffering associated with eating disorders.
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