Inflammation increases with weight gain, which leads to insulin resistance and leptin resistance. So, if you’re looking to lose weight, reducing inflammation is key. You can do this by avoiding processed foods and added sugars, eating more anti-inflammatory foods, getting enough sleep and decreasing stress levels. Reducing the amount of inflammation in your body will also lower your risk for diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

There is more to long term health and weight maintenance success than calories in and calories out. Check out these conversations by 2 London hospital doctors.

https://www.medtronic.com/covidien/en-gb/clinical-solutions/bariatric-solutions/obesity-the-big-truth.html

For laypersons check out this article by a dietician.

https://www.eatingwell.com/article/2058068/inflammation-might-be-the-reason-youre-not-losing-weight-here-are-5-things-you-can-do-about-it/

In a nutshell these resources help us understand the need to put good foods in (leafy greens, broccoli/cauliflower, nuts, fatty fish) as much as avoid bad foods.

I wonder whether we may ‘self-medicate’ and become fat exactly in order to reduce our metabolism, feel tired and hence reduce troublesome thoughts.

It’s not easy. Good luck! All the best for now.