Depression can accelerate visceral fat in older persons

People in their 70s who are depressed are twice as likely to develop a dangerous type of internal body fat, called visceral fat, than people who are not depressed. The connection goes beyond obesity and suggests some biological link between a person's mental state and fat that collects around the internal organs. Some researchers believe depression triggers high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which promotes fat around the belly. The research was published in Archives of General Psychiatry.

Steve - as we have alluded to many times in the past, the gut brain connection is undeniable. Depression can often be triggered by poor dietary and lifestyle choices.