Is psychiatry to blame for obesity?

[CmdrShepSpectre2183]

Some of these meds cause weight gain. Should the DSM be fixed?

[cudlo1]

Obesity is caused by excessive intake of food in relation to the metabolism. I don't see how psychiatry is to blame.

[Willie71]

Some medications do have metabolic effects. This is known. Only 1-2% of the general population will require treatment with these meds, so it's not a major cause of obesity.

 

Two independent studies a couple years ago found that 75% of people with morbid obesity had at least three inattentive ADHD symptoms. In controlled trials, the group that had the ADHD treated lost weight, where the untreated group, using the exact same program gained weight. To be sure it wasn't the effect of the stimulants on appetite, non stimulant ADHD meds we're trailed, with weight loss as well.

 

Other psychiatric conditions associated with weight gain are Seasonal Affective Disorder and Atypical Depression. There are more, but these are the big three, and are all highly co morbid.