Diets with reduced calorie intake could potentially heighten feelings of depression.
A fresh take on a study that examines the relationship between dieting and depression symptoms reveals that severely restricting calories could take a toll on one's mental health.
A team of researchers from Toronto delved into the connection between certain diets and depression, gathering data from over 28,000 U.S. adults. Their findings highlight a link between calorie-restricted diets and an increased likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms.
In today's society, estimates show that nearly two-thirds of adults in the United States grapple with obesity or being overweight. A myriad of methods can be employed for weight loss, from adjusting one's diet to using medications. However, self-imposed restrictions in calorie intake can have detrimental effects, as this study illustrates.
The study's authors cite cutting 500 to 1,000 calories per day as a means to shed pounds, emphasizing that ditches in sugary drinks and simple food swaps can make a significant difference. Nevertheless, many people tend to swing to the other extreme, slashing their calorie consumption drastically or focusing on a single food group like in the carnivore diet.
This study underscores the importance of adopting a balanced approach for maintaining physical health while refraining from potentially impacting one's mental well-being. The researchers observed that extreme dieting methods, including calorie restriction, carry the risk of causing both physical and mental health issues.
The research paper was published in the journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.
Bridging the Link between Diet and Mental Health
Depression is a widespread issue that has gripped millions annually, with the U.S. reporting a steady increase in depression cases. As per 2020 data from the CDC, 18.4% of U.S. adults have received a depression diagnosis at some point in their lives.
Research reveals that consuming nutrient-dense foods supports mental health, while overindulging in processed foods can compromise it. The authors of this study aimed to fill the information gap concerning calorie and nutrient limitation, which they believed to be a crucial aspect in mental health maintenance.
Participants were categorized into four groups:
- calorie-restricted dieters (8%)
- nutrient-restricted eaters (3%)
- those following established medical dietary patterns like the DASH diet (2%)
- non-dieters (87%)
Comparing the PHQ-9 scores between the groups, the researchers found that those following calorie-restricted diets had a higher overall score. This difference became more pronounced among participants with higher BMIs in the calorie-restriction group, who showed an increase of 0.46 points. Men on nutrient-restricted diets also demonstrated an augmented risk of increased cognitive-affective symptoms.
Better Nutrition and Mental Health
Dietitian Amy Roethler, who was not involved in the research, shared her insights into the findings with Medical News Today. She commented on the study report, "Significant calorie restriction can lead to negative impacts on one's mental health, specifically depressive symptoms." Roethler explained that patients often neglect focusing on their nutrient intake and instead concentrate solely on reducing their calorie count, which she believes leads to the observed effect.
Neuronutritionist Timothy Frie echoed the sentiment, stating that "the association between calorie restriction and increased depressive symptoms highlights the need for mental health consequences to be considered while making dietary changes." He further elaborated that calorie restriction might result in a deficiency of vital nutrients that regulate mood and emotions, such as B vitamins, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
The study authors aim to build on this research, investigating the specific nutritional deficits that could emerge as a result of dieting and their impact on depressive symptoms.
In summary, this research confirms that cutting calories excessively can elevate the risk of depressive symptoms, particularly in men and those with higher BMIs. It's crucial to prioritize balanced meals and seek professional guidance to maintain overall health during weight loss endeavors, particularly for individuals with a history of depression.
- The study on dieting and depression symptoms indicates that severely restricting calorie intake could negatively impact one's mental health.
- A study by researchers from Toronto found a link between calorie-restricted diets and an increased likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms.
- The study highlights the need to maintain a balanced approach to weight loss, such as adjusting one's diet, to avoid potential impacts on mental well-being.
- Extreme dieting methods, including calorie restriction, carry the risk of causing both physical and mental health issues, according to the study authors.
- Consuming nutrient-dense foods supports mental health, while overindulging in processed foods can compromise it, as per various research.
- The study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing balanced meals and seeking professional guidance during weight loss endeavors, especially for individuals with a history of depression.
