Answer this question to the best of your ability:
How does depression affect one's physical health?
Depression can have a significant impact on an individual's physical health in several ways. Firstly, it often leads to a lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed (anhedonia), which may result in a sedentary lifestyle and reduced physical activity. This decrease in movement can lead to weight gain and increased risk for conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Secondly, people with depression often experience changes in appetite, leading to either overeating or undereating. Both scenarios can result in malnutrition and compromise the immune system. Moreover, poor sleep patterns, a common symptom of depression, can disrupt the body's natural restorative processes, weakening its ability to fight off infections and heal injuries. Lastly, chronic depression can directly affect the brain's neuroplasticity, leading to cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing neurological disorders such as dementia later in life.