Mood Swings, Exercise, Diets And Endorphins
While many people are depressed because of their weight there is a lively debate about whether a new dietary regime, which would include more exercise, can help improve your mood and banish the dark clouds of depression. So how does it all work?
The idea of your mood being linked to your weight is not a new one and revolves heavily around what are called endorphins, a chemical which is released by the brain during exercise. It is claimed that these endorphins are the reason for the so called 'runners high' which is the feeling of elation some people experience when they exercise. While there is no hard and fast rule, and the level of elation does differ from person to person, there does seem to be scientific evidence to link happiness and exercise.
If you are extremely over weight then the likelihood is that you have not exercised for some time and could be vulnerable to bouts of depression from time to time. Nobody is saying that athletes or those who are 'fit' do not suffer from low moods or mood swings but there have the opportunity to pull out of any spiral towards depression because of the endorphins released during exercise. So is there any need for a diet?
A diet is the first step towards a healthier lifestyle and a new era in your exercise regime. By reducing your intake of fatty foods, etc and reducing your calorie intake per day you will bring the balance between calories burnt and calories eaten down to a more level playing field. This will reduce the amount of fat which is retained by your body, allowing you to exercise more which in turn will release the endorphins and improve your mood.
While it all sounds very simple in theory, in practice it will vary from person to person as we are all very different!