Depression and Excess Weight
Depression is a common and serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. Excess weight and obesity can be a significant contributing factor to the development and exacerbation of depressive symptoms.
At Harvey Brooker Weight Loss for Men we have helped thousands of Toronto men lose weight in a natural way and improve illnesses like depression.
Common Issues Associated with Depression
Depression and obesity can create a vicious cycle, with each condition exacerbating the other. Some common issues associated with depression related to obesity include:
- Emotional eating: Depression can lead to emotional eating, where individuals use food as a coping mechanism to deal with negative emotions, resulting in weight gain and potentially worsening obesity.
- Decreased motivation: Depression can cause a lack of motivation and energy, making it challenging for individuals with obesity to engage in regular physical activity and adopt healthier eating habits.
- Social isolation: People with obesity and depression may withdraw from social situations due to feelings of shame or embarrassment about their weight, exacerbating depressive symptoms and leading to further isolation.
- Body image issues: Negative body image and self-perception can contribute to depression in individuals with obesity, as they may internalize societal stigma and discrimination related to weight.
- Reduced quality of life: The combination of obesity and depression can significantly impact a person’s overall well-being, affecting their physical health, relationships, and ability to enjoy life.
Depression in Men
Men with obesity-related depression may face unique challenges, including:
- Societal expectations: Men often face societal pressure to conform to specific body standards, which can contribute to increased feelings of self-consciousness and depression for men with obesity.
- Physical activity: Men with depression related to obesity may feel particularly self-conscious about exercising in public or participating in sports, leading to decreased engagement in physical activities that could improve their mental and physical health.
- Emotional expression: Cultural expectations around masculinity may make it more difficult for men to express their emotions, making it harder for them to seek support or address their depression.
- Help-seeking behavior: Men may be less likely to seek professional help for mental health concerns, including depression, which can lead to a lack of appropriate treatment and support.
How We Support Men With Depression in Toronto
Seeking professional help, engaging in therapy, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with obesity-related depression. We provide professional help through several different methods:
Personalized Support: We offer both online and in-person weight loss support, as well as group and personal coaching. No matter the format, our members receive the motivation, support and guidance they need to succeed.
Unique Eating Plan: Our easy-to-follow 20/20 Healthy Eating Plan™ is tailored just for men and it uses a calculated unit system that will help you understand portion control and make better eating choices without going hungry. Everything can be purchased at your local supermarket.
Accountability: Our program helps members stay on track through regular check-ins and support.
Proven Success: We have helped thousands of men regain their health since 1985. Take a look at our Google reviews!
Book your free assessment and see why our program has provided consistent and lasting success for our members.
If You Could Do It Alone, You Would Have Done It Already.

Toronto Men Who Have Lost Weight with Us
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Great program!
Gavry Mandel
March 11, 2024
I have been attending meetings since 2019 and being with a group of guys with the same destination is why its so successful. We make friends, tell jokes and learn... read more how to be consistent with our eating and in the endgame...our lives. We are what we eat. At Brooker we learn alter that for the better. As Harvey said " If you could do it alone, you would of done it already"
Jeff Waters
August 11, 2024
A husky boy. That's what I was used to hearing while I was growing up particularly at the clothing store. That didn't make me feel great. Life... read more goes on...with a tinge of self confidence kicking me in the teeth. Then I got fat. Enough was enough. I was fit but I was fat, carrying about 40 more pounds than I should have. Yes, I tried to do it alone. Did not work. I joined Harvey Brooker and learned that there is a way to a weight that was healthy. Did it take discipline? Yes. Did it take education? Yes. Did it take support? Yes. Does it take work? Yes. Is there a magic pill? NO, well sort of - and it is called the Harvey Brooker 20/20 Weight Loss Program for Men. If you are reading this and need the most logical, supportive & cost effective approach to getting healthy for yourself, then really, this is the place and program to consider. With thanks, Rick Mamros
Rick Mamros
April 11, 2024
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For me, Harvey Brooker Weight Loss for Men is the only program that is designed to train you to keep the weight off after you have lost it. Many weight... read more loss programs help you shed the pounds. HB helps you achieve this too, but goes much further. It teaches and conditions you to change your relationship with food in a healthy way. The program is either zoom or in person based, is rich with health information and recipes. Most importantly, it is a supportive and safe environment. I enjoy attending the weekly "Power Hour".
John Becevello
April 11, 2024
The 20/20 Plan, online resources and the support at regular meetings are what make this program so effective for anyone trying to get control of their eating habits.
Mark Chambers
April 11, 2024
Harvey brooker is helping me change my lifestyle. In 3 months, I had a surprising result. I'm healthier, more energetic, thinner and I feel much better than before.
Adriano Senigalia
March 11, 2024
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This program saved my life. The Harvey Brooker program is a common sense, no nonsense, no gimmicks program for men only where we meet once a week to hear educational... read more information and a motivational talk, and hear stories from other men who've lost lots of weight. Some guys there have lost over a hundred pounds just by following the program, which is basically a food plan, coupled with the motivational guidance and support you get each week. I can’t say enough about how much I’ve learned and changed my life.
Michael Y
April 11, 2024
I joined Harvey Brooker on December 1, 2022 with the of losing 50 lbs. and reducing my blood sugar levels. The slow and deliberate process yielded constant results. I reached... read more my weight goal in May, 2023. As a Type II diabetic my goal was to get my A1C level below 7.0. My best reading in 25 years was 7.8. In March of 2023 my reading was 6.8. In September 2023 my reading was 6.4. Thanks to Harvey Brooker I am maintaining my weight and controlling my blood sugar levels. As a maintainer, I am always welcome at Harvey Brooker and their continuous gratis support.
Saverio Prato
November 11, 2023
All the staff truly care about helping people lose weight. Would recommend to anyone looking for some guidance with weight loss.
Tanvir Jhita
June 11, 2024
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I joined Harvey Brooker 6 years ago and have maintained my loss for 5 years. Quite simply, this program changed my life. I recommend it for any man who needs... read more to lose weight and - most importantly - maintain their loss. The physical and psychological benefits have been incredible. My only regret is not having done it sooner!
erez blumberger
November 11, 2023
I don't normally review things, but I gotta give 5 stars to the Brooker program. I joined in 2015 and lost 160 lbs thanks to their fantastic approach to helping... read more me understand my relationship with food. I saw lots of other guys during my weight loss who were able to go off their diabetes medication, and honestly, it just works. If you've tried other programs (as I had and gained the weight right back), I urge you to check Brooker out and see what they're all about. The people there are fantastic and they help motivate you on your journey. Thanks to the program, I was able to get off my CPAP machine and my family is very happy to have their husband/dad still around. <3 <3 <3
Foreshots Photography
April 11, 2024
Membership in Harvey Brooker has led to a much healthier lifestyle, and I'm down 35 pounds!
R Banks
November 11, 2023
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I joined the Harvey program last fall. It's not a trendy diet thing, it's a bunch of guys getting together to deal with a common issue. The leaders... read more / speakers are all program members, and the success stories are very inspiring! It's the first time I've actually been able to change my lifestyle in a healthier direction that I can maintain. There's no hype or 'get skinny quick' nonsense here, it's the opposite of that. I'm down 25 lbs and I'm not done yet. It's a journey, with ups and downs 'cuz we're all human, but this has been a game-changer for me. Excellent, supportive group of guys to help you deal with weight issues. Highly recommend. "If you could do it alone, you would have done it already."
North GTA
March 11, 2024
My experience at Harvey Brooker has changed my life for the better. I have been with the program for 6 months and reached my target weight after losing 22lbs. When... read more I joined I had been steadily gaining weight and felt terrible. Worse than that I could see myself continuing on that path which was leading to more serious health issues and frankly a shorter life. For me, it was important to take a step towards getting my weight back down to where it should be and more importantly teaching myself new and healthier habits and mindset towards eating. In the six months I can say that with the support of Noah and the team and the other members I have done that. Attending the meetings either in person or online go a long way to staying accountable and also help with emotional support to get you through the lows and the highs. I would highly recommend this program and have already referred friends to take control of their relationship with food and weight.
George Agnew
September 11, 2024
In the past I struggled trying to diet . Their realistic and easy to follow meal plan coupled with their weekly motivational meeting has made the weight loss achievable. ... read more I highly recommend Harvey Brooker!
Mark
November 11, 2023
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