Not a silly post at all!
I think you're on to something. It's hard to say if the appetite suppressant effect from the Prozac is going to remain at its current intensity in the long run... In my experience, a lot of the side effects from psych meds (positive AND negative side effects) tend to drop off after a month or so has passed. However, I've noticed that I certainly have more cravings when I'm unmedicated, which I have been lately. There's definitely a connection which is both emotional and physiological.
I found this at PubMed:
"Serotonin-releasing brain neurons are unique in that the amount of neurotransmitter they release is normally controlled by food intake: Carbohydrate consumption--acting via insulin secretion and the "plasma tryptophan ratio"--increases serotonin release; protein intake lacks this effect. This ability of neurons to couple neuronal signaling properties to food consumption is a link in the feedback mechanism that normally keeps carbohydrate and protein intakes more or less constant. However, serotonin release is also involved in such functions as sleep onset, pain sensitivity, blood pressure regulation, and control of the mood. Hence many patients learn to overeat carbohydrates (particularly snack foods, like potato chips or pastries, which are rich in carbohydrates and fats) to make themselves feel better."
As far as obesity being caused by stress levels, I'm sure stress does play a part and I agree that we aren't well equipped to deal with such a high-stress world. I am pretty sure a lot of studies/surveys have shown America to be one of the most stressed out countries in the world, and of course we also have extremely high obesity rates. They may have overlapping causes, and I think that stress makes it difficult to make sensible eating choices, while poor eating choices simultaneously make many people more stressed out in the long run, and the cycle continues. I think there's probably a lot more to it though. There are so many things in our environment that seem to be sabotaging us these days.
I'm going to be starting on Prozac again within a week or so, assuming my appointment with my new psychiatrist goes as planned. I was never on a high enough dose the first time I tried Prozac (I was a teenager and didn't want to take more than 5 mg out of stubbornness). It will be interesting to see what effect it has on my eating. I have been having a difficult time lately and craving lots of white carbs.
Thanks for getting me thinking this morning!
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