Maryland, June 1 -- A new study suggested that obesity and anxiety may be connected through interactions between the gut and the brain.

The study links diet-induced obesity with anxiety-like symptoms, alterations in brain signalling and differences in gut microbes that may contribute to impaired brain functioning.

"Several studies have pointed to a link between obesity and anxiety, though it is still unclear whether obesity directly causes anxiety or if the association is influenced by societal pressures," said Desiree Wanders, PhD, associate professor and chair of nutrition at Georgia State University. "Our findings suggest that obesity can lead to anxiety-like behaviour, possibly due to changes in both brain function and gut health."...