Low-calorie diets might increase risk of depression

A recent study suggests that following a low-calorie diet may increase the risk of depression. Research shows that people on calorie-restricted diets exhibited higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to those not dieting. The study, published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, revealed that overweight individuals and men were particularly susceptible to mood changes associated with low-calorie diets. The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Venkat Bhat, emphasized that calorie-restricted diets could lead to higher depressive symptom scores, especially among men and overweight individuals. The researchers speculated that cutting calories might deprive the brain of essential nutrients needed to maintain a stable mood. The study tracked over 28,500 participants in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2018. Results showed that those on low-calorie diets had higher depression symptom scores compared to those not following any diet. The findings contradicted previous studies suggesting that low-calorie diets could alleviate depression symptoms. The research team highlighted that real-life calorie-restricted diets often lead to nutritional deficiencies and stress that may worsen depression symptoms. Dr. Ray, a prominent scientist in food and nutrition, emphasized the importance of further research to explore the link between dietary patterns and mental health. While the study indicated a small effect on depression, more well-designed studies are needed to delve deeper into this connection.