The question in the title was asked by Jane Glenn Haas in a recent Wichita Eagle article. Haas was reflecting on Oprah's weight gain statement that, unknowingly, she had become depressed and used food as a drug. Following that reasoning, Haas wondered if  the 133.6 milion adult Americans who are overweight all needed therapy.

While counseling wouldn't hurt, there may be a wait if all 133.6 milion of us try to make an appointment at once. While we are waiting, we might try some simple things to lift our mood. One is to step outside and take a deep breath of fresh air.  Then walk to the end of the block and back. This is not an exercise for the purpose of burning calories, so take it slow and observe the world around you. Depending on the season, see bare skeletons of trees, buds busting forth on limbs, or leaves forming a green halo. Feel the sun and the air. Take deep, even breaths as you walk.

When you get back to your home, find a place to sit and spend another five minutes breathing deeply and observing the present moment: tree branches moving in the wind, cars passing, children playing, whatever is before you. This small break in your routine will, at least momentarily, calm your mind and increase the oxygen your body needs to work properly. Give it a try.
Hazel