By Octavio Martinez Jr. and David Lakey, June 23, 2016

Our bodies and minds are one. Physical health and mental health are inextricably bound together. But we can easily lose sight of how poorly and infrequently this basic truth is reflected in the systems we’ve developed to care for ourselves and one another.

Consider the complex relationship between our weight and our state of mind. Depression and anxiety can lead to weight gain. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions. This can lead to the need for long-term treatment regimens, which can be compromised by the depression and anxiety that caused the weight gain in the first place. People who are depressed and anxious may have a harder time taking their medicine on schedule or being motivated to follow their treatment plans.

Read more.