Depression and obesity: Implications for assessment, treatment, and research.

Markowitz, Friedman, and Arent (2008) review the literature on the relationship between obesity and depression and (a) highlight behavioral, cognitive, physiological, and social mechanisms potentially elucidating these links and (b) provide a valuable resource both for clinicians and researchers. This commentary underscores (a) the strengths of the article; (b) additional areas of consideration; (c) implications for treatment; and (d) future clinical and research opportunities. Also included are suggestions for the design and measurement of future longitudinal observational studies, intervention trials, and other conceptual models. Finally, we comment on the responsibility of the scientist practitioner not only to consider evaluating and treating each behavior in isolation, but also to take an inclusive approach and apply the common features of evidence-based treatment for both obesity and depression.