In Mexico, 34.8 million people have experienced a depressive episode in their lives, with 20.3% being women and 14.4% men, according to figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), as reported by the Data Laboratory against Obesity (LabDO). (National Autonomous University of Mexico, 2023)
While it’s often said that our mood influences our food choices, the truth is that what we eat can also affect how we feel. During the holiday season, excessive consumption of sugary, fatty, and high-calorie foods not only leads to weight gain but also leaves a lingering sense of guilt. (ZOE, 2024)
Emotional eating, where food is used to cope with feelings such as sadness, loneliness, or stress, can lead to what’s known as seasonal depression.
Clinically referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or commonly winter blues, this form of depression occurs when there’s less sunlight. January and February are particularly challenging for those with SAD.
According to Psychology Today, this disorder affects 10 million Americans. Between 10% and 20% may suffer from a mild form of SAD, and it is four times more common in women. The typical onset age is between 18 and 30 years. (Psychology Today, n.d.)
Moreover, cold weather and shorter days lead to decreased physical activity, which can result in weight gain and emotional changes.
If holiday weight gain isn’t shed, it can lead to a gradual increase over time, raising the risk of heart disease and diabetes. (Namen, 2023)
To manage stress and maintain overall well-being, experts recommend: self-care, monitoring mood and energy levels, maintaining a balanced diet, increasing sunlight exposure, engaging in physical activities, and seeking psychological therapy if necessary to treat SAD. (Trinity Health Michigan, 2024)
References
- Namen, A. M., & Namen, A. B. (2023). Winter holidays and their impact on eating behavior—A systematic review. Nutrients, 15(18), 4201. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10574044/#B9-nutrients-15-04201
- Psychology Today. (s.f.). Seasonal Affective Disorder. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder
- Trinity Health Michigan. (2024, 2 de enero). Beat the post-holiday blues for a brighter new year. https://www.trinityhealthmichigan.org/newsroom/blog-articles/beat-post-holiday-blues-brighter-new-year
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. (2023). Depresión, pandemia silenciosa. https://www.dgcs.unam.mx/boletin/bdboletin/2023_021.html
- Yanovski, J. A., Yanovski, S. Z., Sovik, K. N., Nguyen, T. T., O’Neil, P. M., & Sebring, N. G. (2000, 23 de Marzo). A prospective study of holiday weight gain. The New England Journal of Medicine, 342(12), 861-867. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4336296/
- ZOE. (2024, 13 de marzo). ¿El buen humor conduce a una buena comida? https://zoe.com/learn/does-a-good-mood-lead-to-good-food
