logo
Urgent warning as popular weight-loss diet could leave you DEPRESSED

Urgent warning as popular weight-loss diet could leave you DEPRESSED

The Sun04-06-2025
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.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Demand for weight loss drugs is becoming unsustainable, say pharmacists
Demand for weight loss drugs is becoming unsustainable, say pharmacists

The Guardian

time2 hours ago

  • The Guardian

Demand for weight loss drugs is becoming unsustainable, say pharmacists

Demand for weight loss drugs is becoming so 'unsustainable' that demand may soon outstrip supply, pharmacists have warned. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) said supply problems could encourage people to turn to unregulated online sources, despite the risks involved. The number of people in the UK using drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro has soared to well above a million, with most patients paying to get them privately. During April, 1.6m packs of Mounjaro and Wegovy were bought in Britain, with the number thought to correlate closely with the number of people using them. 'Spiralling demand for weight loss medication risks going far beyond what is clinically deliverable', the NPA said. The drugs might need to be reserved for those in greatest need because they are so overweight instead of being given to the 'worried well', it added. New polling has found that 21% of Britons have tried to get hold of the medications over the past year, a figure that rises to 35% among 18- to 34-year-olds. The same survey found that 41% of all age groups would use them if they were free on the NHS. This figure rose to 64% among those aged 25-34. Savanta interviewed a representative sample of 2,002 adults aged 18 or over online from 20-23 June for the NPA, which represents 6,000 independent pharmacies. 'Weight loss jabs are one of the biggest drug innovations this century but growing demand for weight loss treatment highlights the need to make sure this is appropriate for those who want it,' said Olivier Picard, the NPA's chair. 'It's clear from this polling that more people are interested in getting weight loss jabs than can benefit from weight loss medication.' Supply of the medicines has been hit by shortages in some parts of the UK, including for higher doses of Mounjaro, the NPA said. Supply has been restricted to some pharmacies, which has stopped some new patients from going on to the drugs. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the UK's drugs watchdog, has warned patients to obtain the drugs only with a doctor's prescription, and not from beauty parlours or websites. A Department of Health spokesperson said more people would be able to obtain 'revolutionary' weight loss jabs over the next few years. 'Weight loss drugs are a powerful tool in tackling the obesity crisis head-on as part of our 10-year health plan', they added. 'This government is committed to ensuring that more people have access to these revolutionary drugs when needed, and crucially that they are able to do so in a safe and controlled way. We will ensure that those most in need will receive treatment first.' About 220,000 people in England are due to be offered tirzepatide, a diabetes drug that promotes weight loss, over the next three years. Pharmacies already provide about 85% of all weight loss drugs and need to be closely involved in the expansion of access, Picard added. 'The government should use the massive untapped expertise and skills of pharmacists to help speed up the NHS's weight loss medication programme to millions of the most in need patients,' he said.

Jessica Alba shows off her chiseled abs in a black sports bra after passionately kissing new boyfriend
Jessica Alba shows off her chiseled abs in a black sports bra after passionately kissing new boyfriend

Daily Mail​

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Jessica Alba shows off her chiseled abs in a black sports bra after passionately kissing new boyfriend

Jessica Alba showcased her chiseled abs in stylish fitness attire just two days after she was spotted in a steamy kiss with her new boyfriend Danny Ramirez. The 44-year-old Honey actress — who filed for divorce from her husband of nearly 17 years Cash Warren in February — has recently moved on with the hunky Top Gun: Maverick actor, who is 11 years her junior. In a new Instagram carousel shared on Sunday, the mom-of-three enjoyed a stroll along the beach and took her fans along with her. Jessica posed for a quick snap on a dirt path as the sandy shore and blue ocean water stretched out behind her. The beauty flaunted her toned figure wearing a black sports bra with a white trim as well as a pair of fitted, black leggings. She additionally slipped into a pair of white socks and black sneakers to stay comfortable during the outing. The Hollywood star completed her ensemble for the day by adding a black cap on top of her head that had 'LA' printed in white lettering on the front. The Fantastic Four actress also sported a pair of fashionable black shades to protect her eyes from the bright sunshine. Jessica also snapped a selfie as she flashed a peace sign towards the camera and gave another view of the beach down below. She uploaded a clip that showed a closer look at some of the morning workout as she was joined by a pal, which also included walking up a number of stairs and a light jog. The beauty later fueled up with a refreshing iced green drink and a bowl that was topped with chopped nuts and fruit. Lastly, Jessica took a picture of a colorful butterfly that was resting on a green leaf of a shady tree. In the caption of the latest post, the star simply penned to her 21 million followers, 'Sunday reset.' Jessica has previously opened up about incorporating a fitness regime into her daily life during an interview with E! News last year. 'I get bored,' she admitted when it comes to the gym. 'So I do spinning and I do cross training with a mix of weights and cardio. I just try to keep it moving.' The star also added, 'I try to recruit my friends to come with me. It's just more fun if you go with someone.' Her new Instagram post comes just two days after Jessica was seen passionately kissing her new boyfriend Danny Ramirez in LA on Saturday. In photos obtained by the couple were seen embracing and sharing a kiss outside on a quiet street. Danny sweetly draped his arms over her shoulders during the romantic moment and readjusted her cap on top of her head which caused her to flash a smile. The actor was later seen receiving a large flower delivery and the pair began to walk back towards his house together. Earlier this week on Wednesday, the pair were spotted enjoying date night at an Italian restaurant called Alba. Jessica and Danny were seen outside of the eatery, with the actor driving a vehicle and the beauty next to him in the passenger seat. The two stars held smiles on their faces during the lowkey night out together. Also in July, the pair were spotted vacationing in Cancun - which came after she was seen kissing a mystery man in London, although it is not confirmed whether that had also been Danny. A source told this week that the pair's budding romance has now taken a 'surprising turn.' 'Jessica's romance with Danny has taken a surprising turn. What started out as a summer fling feels like it's getting more serious, although she still wants to take things slow.' The insider added, 'But at the end of the day Jessica has never been one to play the field. She's excited to see where this romance is headed.' A separate source also recently told that the Top Gun: Maverick actor is 'enamored' with the actress, but she isn't in the 'frame of mind' to be in a relationship that is exclusive. 'Danny is cool, a nice guy and he is enamored with her, but it is not exclusive. She's not in that frame of mind.' The insider added, 'He has a chance to make something out of their connection, but she is taking it all in stride. Right now, she's looking to just have fun.' Jessica's new romance comes months after she filed for divorce from Cash Warren after nearly 17 years of marriage in February. She had cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reasoning behind their separation, with Cash soon filing afterwards. During the course of their marriage, the former couple welcomed three children: Honor, 17, Haven, 13, and Hayes, seven - and both requested for joint physical and legal custody of their kids at the time of the divorce filing. Eight months before it was revealed that Jessica and Cash were 'set for divorce,' the Hollywood star uploaded her final anniversary post to celebrate 16 years of marriage. Speculation first arose that the former couple may have hit a rocky patch in their relationship when she was spotted on public outings without her wedding ring. Jessica also seemingly confirmed she was single in a post to celebrate New Year's, but then reunited with Cash to celebrate their son's birthday at Universal Studios. They first crossed paths on set of the 2004 film, Fantastic Four, and they later said 'I do' in 2008. And in January, the actress took to Instagram to announce the end of her marriage to Cash with a message to her followers. 'I've been on a journey of self realization and transformation for years - both as an individual and in partnership with Cash,' she wrote. 'I'm proud of how we've grown in our marriage over the last 20 years and it's now time for us to embark on a new chapter of growth and evolution as individuals. Jessica added, 'We are moving forward with love, kindness and respect for each other and will forever be family. Our children remain our highest priority and we request privacy at this time.'

Menopause made my hair fall out. Then I discovered a new hair-loss solution. This is the secret ALL midlife women need to know
Menopause made my hair fall out. Then I discovered a new hair-loss solution. This is the secret ALL midlife women need to know

Daily Mail​

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Menopause made my hair fall out. Then I discovered a new hair-loss solution. This is the secret ALL midlife women need to know

For me, midlife has brought various indignities, as well as many joys. But standing over a sink to count the number of hairs that had come out in my brush one morning has to be among the more distressing aspects. For the record, it was 201. And why was I counting them? Because I'd searched 'how to tell if your hair is falling out' online – and according to Dr Google, anything over 100 strands was a cause for concern.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store