A recent study indicated that there could be relation between obesity and mental illness. Researchers believe that obesity not only affects lifestyle and social life of a person due to reduced physical activity it also has negative effect on mental condition of person also.

Obese people sometimes suffer from the feelings of low self-esteem, low self-worth and guilt. Moreover to boost their mood they frequently indulge in consumption of comfort foods which are usually rich in fats and sugars.

Obese people who experience weight-related stigma and discrimination are more prone to mental illnesses. Researchers said doctors should also assess factors like obesity and related chronic diseases while treating a person who shows symptoms of common mental disorders.

Evan Atlantis from the University of Adelaide's School of Medicine said: "Although the topic is largely unexplored, several psychosocial, lifestyle and physiological factors may be involved in the complex inter-relationship between obesity and mental illness."