Latest news with #SumantraRay
ITV News
3 days ago
- Health
- ITV News
Low-calorie diets 'could increase risk of depressive symptoms', study says
Low-calorie diets could increase the risk of developing symptoms of depression, according to a new study. Calorie restriction also affected mood more in men and overweight people, researchers added. Findings from the study contrast with those which have come before, with previous studies claiming that low-calorie diets improve depressive symptoms. Academics have, however, argued that prior trials included tailored and balanced diet programmes that may not be the same as what people realistically follow in everyday life. For the study, published by BMJ on Wednesday, researchers in Canada used data from the 28,525 people who took part in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and had completed a health questionnaire relating to depressive symptoms, which gave them a score based on severity. The majority of the group (87%) said they were not on a specific diet, while 2,206 were restricting calories. Some 859 were on a 'nutrient-restrictive' diet, low in fat, sugar, salt, fibre or carbohydrate, and 631 were on diets tailored for the likes of diabetes. Questionnaire scores for depressive symptoms, such as a low mood, low energy and sleep disturbances, were higher among those restricting calories compared to those who reported not being on a diet at all. The scores were also higher among overweight people following low-calorie diets. Researchers said: 'Numerous studies have consistently focused on 'healthy' versus 'unhealthy' diets." Restricting calories can lead to deficiencies in protein, vitamins and minerals, researchers suggest, which puts the body under stress. The findings also contradict previous studies showing low-calorie diets improve depressive symptoms. The team said a focus on 'idealised diets' can 'overlook the diversity of dietary patterns', adding: 'In contrast, real-life calorie-restricted diets and obesity often result in nutritional deficiencies, particularly in protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and induce physiological stress, which can exacerbate depressive symptomatology including cognitive-affective symptoms.' Researchers stressed the study has several limitations, but gives an insight into how diets recommended by healthcare professionals should be considered for risk factors for depression, especially in men and obese patients. Professor Sumantra Ray, chief scientist and executive director of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, which co-owns BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health with BMJ Group, added: 'This study adds to the emerging evidence linking dietary patterns and mental health, raising important questions about whether restrictive diets which are low in nutrients considered beneficial for cognitive health, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12, may precipitate depressive symptoms. 'But the effect sizes are small, with further statistical limitations limiting the generalisability of the findings. Further well-designed studies that accurately capture dietary intake and minimise the impact of chance and confounding are needed to continue this important line of inquiry.'
Jordan News
3 days ago
- Health
- Jordan News
Low-Calorie Diets May Worsen Depression Symptoms, Study Finds - Jordan News
A new study published in The BMJ has revealed a concerning link between low-calorie diets and an increased risk of depression symptoms, particularly among individuals who are overweight or obese. اضافة اعلان The research analyzed data from over 28,000 participants in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2018. Depression severity was assessed using a validated health questionnaire. Diet and Mental Health Scientific literature has long supported the idea that diets rich in whole foods—such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins—are associated with a lower risk of depression. In contrast, diets high in processed foods, fried items, and sweets are linked to a higher likelihood of developing depressive symptoms. However, this recent study focused specifically on restrictive diets, whether in terms of calorie intake or nutrient composition. Researchers found that participants who followed low-calorie diets reported higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to those who did not follow any diet. Among overweight individuals, those on a calorie-restricted diet saw a 0.46-point increase in depressive symptom scores, while those on nutrient-restricted diets experienced a 0.61-point increase. Gender Differences in Impact The study also revealed notable gender differences in how restrictive diets affected mental health. For example: Nutrient-restricted diets were associated with greater emotional and cognitive symptoms in men than in women. All participants who followed any form of restricted diet experienced increased physical symptoms like anxiety and tension, particularly obese males. Researchers suggest these effects may stem from the brain's need for essential nutrients like glucose and omega-3 fatty acids. When diets limit these, especially in people with higher nutritional needs, mood and cognitive function may suffer. Limitations and Cautions Despite these findings, lead researcher Sumantra Ray emphasized that the results are observational and do not prove causation. While clinical trials have shown improvements in mood with calorie restriction under controlled conditions, real-life dieting can lead to nutrient deficiencies that negatively affect both physical and mental well-being. Final Recommendations The study urges caution when adopting restrictive diets, particularly for those with overweight or obesity. Consulting with registered dietitians or healthcare professionals is strongly recommended to ensure any diet plan remains balanced and nutritionally adequate, supporting both physical and mental health.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Study raises doubt about benefit of low-calorie diet
A new study has found that following a low-calorie diet could increase the risk of developing symptoms of depression, particularly in men and overweight individuals. Canadian researchers analysed data from 28,525 participants in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), noting that nearly 8 per cent reported depressive symptoms. The study found that depressive symptom scores were higher among those restricting calories, which contradicts previous studies that suggested low-calorie diets improve depressive symptoms. Researchers suggest that real-life calorie-restricted diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies and physiological stress, exacerbating depressive symptoms, unlike controlled trials with balanced diets. Professor Sumantra Ray said that the study raises questions about restrictive diets lacking nutrients beneficial for cognitive health and that further well-designed studies are needed.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Counting calories and yo-yo diets could increase risk of depression, say experts
Eating less of a bad diet is not going to boost your mental health unless you change what you eat, research suggests after a study showed men are vulnerable to negative impact of 'restrictive eating' Counting calories and yo-yo dieting could increase your risk of depression, new research suggests. Experts say eating healthy whole foods rather than processed foods might be more important than focusing only on cutting down on calories. The study of 28,500 Americans suggests men are particularly "vulnerable" to the negative effects of 'restrictive eating' due to a lack of essential nutrients. The findings, published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention and Health, contradict previous studies which found low-calorie diets improved depressive symptoms. However researchers said earlier controlled trials included tailored and balanced diet programmes that may not be the same as the calorie counting diets people realistically follow in everyday life which contain the same processed foods. Study author Dr Venkat Bhat, of the University of Toronto, Canada, said worsening depressive symptoms could be caused by a failure to lose weight or "weight cycling" - losing weight and then putting it back on. He said: 'Real-life calorie-restricted diets and obesity often result in nutritional deficiencies - particularly in protein, essential vitamins/minerals - and induce physiological stress, which can exacerbate depressive symptomatology." Canadian researchers analysed data on 28,525 people who took part in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and had completed a health questionnaire relating to depressive symptoms, which gave them a score based on severity. Some 8% of those studied had reported depressive symptoms, while 33% were overweight and 38% were obese. Most said they were not on a specific diet, while 2,206 were restricting calories. Some 859 were on a "nutrient-restrictive" diet, low in fat, sugar, salt, fibre or carbohydrate, and 631 were on diets tailored for the likes of diabetes. Questionnaire scores for depressive symptoms, such as a low mood, low energy and sleep disturbances, were higher among those restricting calories compared to those who reported not being on a diet at all. The research paper concluded: "Numerous studies have consistently focused on 'healthy' versus 'unhealthy' diets. They have shown that 'healthy' diets rich in minimally processed foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean proteins and fish have been linked to a lower risk of depression. "In contrast, an 'unhealthy' diet dominated by ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, processed meats and sweets is associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms.' Researchers said restricting calories can lead to deficiencies in protein, vitamins and minerals which puts the body under stress. Professor Sumantra Ray, chief scientist and executive director of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, which co-owns the BMJ medical journals, said: "This study adds to the emerging evidence linking dietary patterns and mental health, raising important questions about whether restrictive diets which are low in nutrients considered beneficial for cognitive health, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12, may precipitate depressive symptoms. Scientists explained that a "healthy" diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean proteins and fish, is generally associated with a lower risk of depression. An "unhealthy diet" - dominated by ultra-processed foods, refined carbs, saturated fats, processed meats and sweets - has been linked to a heightened risk. Prof David Curtis, honorary professor at University College London, wo was not involved in the research, said: "The reported effects are small and some are scarcely statistically significant, so may well be due to chance. Even if it is the case that people who are dieting have more depressive symptoms, I don't see why we should assume that it is the dieting which causes this. "To me it seems plausible that this observation could be accounted for by the fact that people who are more unhappy with themselves, and with their weight in particular, may be more likely to go on a diet in an attempt to change their situation."
