[joescharf]

> This is why the pop-science version of the "chemical imbalance" theory became so popular in the mainstream: It gives a plausible explanation that depression is just something that happens to you due to no fault of your own, which is weirdly easier to accept for many people.

Yes, and "chemical imbalance" is totally legit but not like its predominantly being marketed. The chemicals (dopamine, seratonin, whatever) are already present in our bodies - they just aren't consistently expressed across the population. For many people, these chemicals aren't released as regularly or in sufficient quantities for a given time period. Often due to lifestyle, but also just differs from person to person. But hey, put in 45 minutes of Z2-Z3 cardio and it can be amazing how the cobwebs get cleared.

> The trend on social media and pop culture is to explain obesity away as a chemical or societal problem

The somewhat recent corporate opportunism targeting obesity and marketing it as completely normal and healthy, almost something to strive for, is incredibly concerning.