Depression and anxiety about health are related to smoking and obesity

Union

Depression and anxiety may have high health

The annual physical exam usually includes a weight measurement and questions about unhealthy habits such as smoking, but a new study from the University of California at San Francisco suggests that health care providers forget an important question: are you depressed or worried?

The new study showed that anxiety and depression can be key factors warning against disparate conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, headaches, backaches and disorders. gastric. Smoking and obesity.

The study included data on the health of more than 15,000 adults over four years. Sixteen percent (2225 people) had high levels of anxiety and depression, 31% (4737 people) were obese and 14% (2125) were current smokers, according to a study published in the journal Health Psychology of 17 December. .

The study found that people with anxiety and depression were 65% more likely to have heart disease, 64% more likely to have a stroke, 50% more of hypertension and 87%% compared to those who do not suffer from anxiety and depression.

However, in the case of arthritis, extreme anxiety and depression rates appear to pose higher risks than those caused by smoking and obesity, "said one experienced study researcher.

On the other hand, unlike the other diseases studied, cancer is an exception: researchers say that high rates of depression and anxiety do not contribute to cancer.

This is confirmed by the results of previous studies, but is contrary to the idea of ​​prevalent in many patients, according to the researchers.