Latest news with #lowcaloriediet
Medical News Today
3 days ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Mental health: Low-calorie diets may increase depression
Low-calorie diets may impact mental health, especially in men, a new study has found. Image credit: Guille Faingold/Stocksy. A new cross-sectional study led by researchers from Toronto, Canada examined how dieting may affect depression symptoms. The researchers analyzed data from adult participants to determine whether certain types of diets can have negative implications for mental health. Their findings showed that participants who restricted calories were more likely to have more depressive symptoms. The majority of adults in the United States – more than 70% – are either overweight or have obesity, according to current guidelines. There are many ways people can attempt to lose weight, such as making changes to their diet or using medications. One potential issue people trying to lose weight may come across is restricting calories or nutrient types too much. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggest cutting 500 to 1,000 calories per day to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week. They note that cutting out sugary drinks and making simple food substitutions can go a long way. However, people often go extreme when they start trying to lose weight and severely restrict their calorie count. Others will even focus on eating only one food group such as with the carnivore diet. While losing weight can be important for some, it is also vital to do it in a healthy manner. Extreme weight loss or dieting methods cause physical health issues, and there is also the potential they might cause mental health issues, which the researchers in the present study explored. The study findings appear in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health . Depression affects millions of people every year, and in the U.S., cases of depression are on the rise. According to 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , 18.4% of adults in the U.S. reported ever having received a depression diagnosis. The authors of the current study noted that research shows that eating healthy foods can help mental health, and that processed foods can harm it. However, the researchers say that more information is needed on calorie and nutrient restriction, a gap they wanted to close with this study. The researchers used data from 28,525 adults who participated in both the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( NHANES ) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The NHANES gathers data on health and nutrition while the PHQ-9 assesses depressive symptoms. The study categorized participants into four groups: calorie-restricted diet (8%) nutrient-restricted diet (3%) established medical dietary pattern, such as the DASH diet (2%) not on any diet (87%). The researchers compared how the participants responded to the PHQ-9 and considered factors such as body mass index (BMI) and biological sex. The researchers found a connection between the diet category the participants were in and their depressive symptoms. Overall, 7.79% of the participants reported having depressive symptoms. People in the calorie-restriction group had higher overall PHQ-9 scores — they had an increase of 0.29 points compared to the other groups. The increase was more pronounced when considering only people with higher BMIs in the calorie-restriction group. Their PHQ-9 score was higher by an average of 0.46 points. Even more concerning was an association found in overweight people in the nutrient-restriction group. While the nutrient-restriction group did not have a higher PHQ-9 score overall, when looking specifically at overweight people in this group, they had a higher PHQ-9 of 0.61 points. The researchers also noticed some associations emerge depending on the biological sex of the participants. The researchers used the PHQ-9 to measure somatic symptoms which are physical symptoms related to psychiatric distress. According to the study authors, 'in biological men, all three dietary patterns were associated with higher somatic symptom scores.' Men who were on a nutrient-restricted diet were also more likely to have an increase in cognitive-affective symptoms. The study authors think these associations may be attributed to men having higher caloric needs and not getting their nutritional needs met through their food intake. Amy Roethler, RDN, LD, a dietitian and nutritionist for Newport Healthcare's PrairieCare program, who was not involved in this research, spoke about the study with Medical News Today . 'For many years, there has been suspicion that significant calorie restriction can lead to negative impacts on one's mental health, specifically depressive symptoms,' Roethler said. 'This study certainly provides additional support to this theory.' The dietitian noted that, from her experience working with patients that they tend not to focus as much on their nutrient intake but instead focus more on restricting their calories which is why this likely happens. 'In general, I find once individuals are able to make some changes to their eating habits, eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins, they find they start to feel better, which often leads to sustained changes,' she added. Roethler also said she recommends that primary care providers who are working with patients trying to lose weight who also have a history of depression refer their patients to registered dieticians for guidance. Timothy Frie, MS, CNE, a neuronutritionist and nutritional psychology researcher, also shared his thoughts about the study — in which he was not involved — with MNT . 'The finding that calorie restriction is associated with increased depressive symptoms – especially in men and people with elevated BMI – highlights that mental health consequences may arise when dietary changes are made without adequate support, monitoring, or nutrient sufficiency,' said Frie. Frie explained that calorie restriction can sometimes lead to people cutting out foods that the body needs for mood regulation: 'Cutting calories or entire food groups leads to deficits in B vitamins (especially B12, B6, and folate), iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates — all essential for neurochemical processes that regulate mood and emotions.' On this note, the study authors hope to research specific nutritional deficits that may occur with dieting and what impact those deficits have on depressive symptoms. Depression Mental Health Nutrition / Diet
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Urgent warning as popular weight-loss diet could leave you DEPRESSED
A POPULAR diet among people looking to lose weight can trigger depression, warns new research. And men are particularly "vulnerable", according to the findings. 2 The study, published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention and Health, shows following a low calorie diet is linked to a heightened risk of depressive symptoms. These findings stand in contrast to previous studies which claim low calorie diets improve depressive symptoms. The study looked at data from 28,525 American adults who had completed a questionnaire to find out the severity of depressive symptoms. Just under 8 per cent reported depressive symptoms, 29 per cent had a healthy weight, 33 per cent were overweight, and 38 per cent were clinically obese. The majority of the group (87 per cent) said they weren't on a specific diet, while 2,206 were restricting calories. Researchers found low-calorie diets were more common among obese patients and those who were overweight. 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. And the scores were also higher among overweight people following low-calorie diets. Study author Dr Venkat Bhat, of the University of Toronto, Canada, said: "These scores also varied by sex. "A nutrient-restrictive diet was associated with higher cognitive-affective symptom scores in men than in women not on a diet, while all three types of diet were associated with higher somatic symptom scores in men. "And people living with obesity following an established dietary pattern had higher cognitive-affective and somatic symptom scores than those of a healthy weight not on a diet." Dr Bhat says the findings contradict those of previously published studies suggesting that low calorie diets improve depressive symptoms. He said: "This discrepancy may arise because prior studies were primarily randomised controlled trials where participants adhered to carefully designed diets ensuring balanced nutrient intake. "In contrast, 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 including cognitive-affective symptoms." Dr Bhat says another possible explanation might be a failure to lose weight or "weight cycling" - losing weight and then putting it back on. He said a possible explanation for the observed gender discrepancies may be down to glucose and the fatty acid omega-3 which are critical for brain health. 2 Dr Bhat added: "Diets low in carbohydrates - glucose - or fats, omega-3s, may theoretically worsen brain function and exacerbate cognitive-affective symptoms, especially in men with greater nutritional needs." Professor Sumantra Ray, Chief Scientist and Executive Director of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, welcomed the findings: He 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." "But the effect sizes are small, with further statistical limitations limiting the generalisability of the findings." Prof Ray added: "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." Other tips for weight loss TO effectively lose weight, focus on a combination of lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, regular physical activity, stress management, and adequate sleep. Diet Focus on whole, unprocessed foods: Prioritise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. Increase fibre intake: Fibre helps you feel full and can aid in digestion. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your metabolism and overall health. Practice mindful eating: Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating. Exercise Engage in regular physical activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week, such as brisk walking or cycling. Incorporate strength training: Building muscle mass can help increase your metabolism and burn more calories. Stress management Practice relaxation techniques: Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and its impact on your body. Sleep Prioritise adequate sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night, as sleep deprivation can impact your metabolism and appetite.
The Independent
6 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.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Low-calorie diet ‘could increase risk of depressive symptoms'
Following a low-calorie diet could increase the risk of developing symptoms of depression, a study suggests. The effects of calorie restriction on mood were more pronounced in men and overweight people, researchers said. The findings contrast previous studies which claim low-calorie diets improve depressive symptoms. However, researchers argue 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 in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, 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. Of the total, 14,329 were women and 14,196 were men. A little under 8% had reported depressive symptoms, while 33% were overweight and 38% were obese. 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. Researchers found low-calorie diets were more common among obese patients and those who were overweight. 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. '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. 'Therefore, individuals must adopt a perfectly healthy dietary pattern to reduce the risk of depressive symptoms. This dichotomy fails to capture the complexity of real-world eating habits.' 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. Researchers highlight that these studies were controlled trials, with those taking part following carefully designed and balanced diets. 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 a number of limitations, but gives an insight to 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.'
The Independent
7 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Following low-calorie diet could make you depressed, major study finds
A new study has found that following a low-calorie diet could increase the risk of developing symptoms of depression. The researchers found that the effects of calorie restriction on mood were more pronounced in men and overweight people. These findings stand in contrast to previous studies which claim low-calorie diets improve depressive symptoms. However, the researchers noted 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 in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, 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. Of the total, 14,329 were women and 14,196 were men. A little under 8 per cent had reported depressive symptoms, while 33 per cent were overweight and 38 per cent were obese. The majority of the group (87 per cent) 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. Researchers found low-calorie diets were more common among obese patients and those who were overweight. 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. '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. 'Therefore, individuals must adopt a perfectly healthy dietary pattern to reduce the risk of depressive symptoms. This dichotomy fails to capture the complexity of real-world eating habits.' 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. Researchers highlight that these studies were controlled trials, with those taking part following carefully designed and balanced diets. 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 a number of limitations, but gives an insight to 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.'
