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Time of India
23-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Cutting back on calories? Eating less may take a toll on mental health
A recent study reveals a potential link between low-calorie diets and increased depressive symptoms, particularly affecting men and overweight individuals. The research, analyzing data from thousands of adults, found that calorie-restrictive diets correlate with higher cognitive-affective symptom scores. Experts emphasize the importance of balanced nutrient intake, including glucose and omega-3 fatty acids, for optimal brain health and mental well-being. Feeling the blues lately? It might be time to look beyond your emotions. This time, look into your plate. What you eat, or more specifically, how little you eat, could be impacting your mental health. Yes, you read that right! A recent study found that cutting back on calories may increase the risk of depressive symptoms. According to a new study published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health , following a low-calorie diet is linked to a heightened risk of depressive symptoms. What is a healthy diet A 'healthy' diet incorporates lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and fish. The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the best diets in the world for its health benefits. This diet consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and heart-healthy fats like olive oil. Diet and mental health What you eat has a significant impact on both your physical and mental health. While people always focus on the impact of diet on physical health, mental wellness often takes a backseat. The recent research has now shed light on this aspect. The study suggests that a low-calorie diet is linked to poor mental health, and men and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to these effects. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo The researchers found that a healthy diet is linked to a lower risk of depression, while an 'unhealthy' diet (ultra-processed foods, refined carbs, saturated fats, processed meats, and sweets) is generally associated with a heightened risk. Today, people follow various types of diets for health or medical reasons, and some may be calorie-restrictive or nutrient-lacking. The study To understand the effects of diet on mental health, the researchers analyzed data from 28,525 adults (14,329 women and 14,196 men) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018 and completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a widely used depression screening tool. In total, 2,508 participants (just under 8%) reported experiencing depressive symptoms. About 29% (7995) of participants had a healthy weight, 33% were overweight, and 38% were classified as obese. The participants were then categorized based on their diets. The categories were: calorie-restrictive nutrient-restrictive (low in fat/cholesterol, sugar, salt, fibre, or carbs) established dietary patterns (adapted for diabetes, for example) not on a diet. Most of them weren't on any specific diet, while 8% followed a calorie-restrictive diet. A3% were on a nutrient-restrictive diet, and 2% had an established dietary pattern. A greater proportion of men (12,772; 90%) weren't on a diet compared to the women (12,237; 85%). The obese participants (1247;12%) and those overweight (594; 8%) were on a calorie deficit. The findings They found that calorie-restrictive diets were linked with higher cognitive-affective symptom scores (measure of the relationship between thoughts and feelings) while nutrient-restrictive diets were associated with higher somatic symptom scores (excessive distress and anxiety about physical symptoms). Men were especially vulnerable. Those on nutrient-restrictive diets experienced more cognitive-affective symptoms than women on no diet. All three types of restrictive diets were associated with higher somatic symptoms in men. The findings of this study contradict those of previous ones, which suggested low-calorie diets improve depressive symptoms. 'This discrepancy may arise because prior studies were primarily randomised controlled trials (RCTs) 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,' the researchers explained. What are the experts saying The researchers emphasized that glucose and the fatty acid omega-3 are essential for brain health. '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,' the researchers 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. 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,' Professor Sumantra Ray, chief scientist, said in a statement. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Restricting daily calorie intake increases risk of depression in men and overweight individuals
New Delhi: Restricting daily calorie intake could increase the risk of depressive symptoms in people, according to a research published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health. The research specifically identifies that men and overweight individuals might encounter more significant mental health difficulties when following diet restrictions. Healthcare professionals explain that low-calorie diets are systematic eating regimens aimed at reducing daily calorie consumption mainly to manage body weight. These programmes typically recommend consuming 1,200-1,500 calories daily, based on personal requirements and health objectives. The diet focuses on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, while limiting processed foods. The US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) evaluated 14,329 adult women and 14,196 men between 2007 and 2018 and completed depression severity assessments. Approximately 8% (2,508 respondents) reported depression symptoms. The participants comprised 29% (7,995) at a healthy weight, 33% (9,470) classified as overweight and 38% (11,060) as obese. Priya Paliwal, chief dietician, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, said that several studies highlighted the negative effects of strict calorie restriction. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Excessive dietary constraint disturbs the neurotransmitter balance and hormone levels, especially in males. Apart from men, individuals with higher BMI are at greater risk as a low-calorie diet can leads to stress, irritability, feelings of sadness and other mood disorders. It is necessary to address and monitor depressive symptoms before they increase. Describing the symptoms, Dr Pavitra Shankar, associate consultant on psychiatry, Aakash Healthcare, explained that drastically reduced caloric intake, especially in men or individuals with elevated BMI, can lead to psychological and physical symptoms. "These include feelings of depression and increased sadness, reduced energy levels and tiredness, emotional instability and irritable behaviour, anxious thoughts and restlessness, disrupted sleep patterns, poor concentration, diminished enthusiasm for activities, and heightened food cravings or irregular eating behaviours," said Shankar, adding that these arose due to inadequate nutrition (particularly deficiencies in B vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids and iron), changes in hormone levels and the psychological impact of following a restrictive diet. The researchers distinguished between the genders by highlighting that both glucose and omega-3 fatty acids play vital roles in maintaining brain health. "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," they said. BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health's co-owner professor Sumantra Ray, who is chief scientist and executive director, NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, said, "This study strengthens the connection between dietary habits and mental wellbeing. It raises significant questions about whether limiting diets that are deficient in brain-beneficial nutrients, such as Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12, could trigger symptoms of depression. " Dr Richa Chaturvedi, senior consultant, endocrinology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, emphasises that maintaining balance was essential for obese individuals following a low-calorie diet to avoid nutritional deficiencies and psychological stress. The recommended dietary approach should focus on incorporating whole, unprocessed foods, including lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beneficial fats, whilst steering clear of severe calorie limitations. "Professional guidance from a registered dietitian can assist in customising calorie consumption according to personal requirements, ensuring adequate intake of vital nutrients. A steady, maintainable reduction in calories is advised over drastic restrictions to support overall physical and psychological health," she said. Dr Sandeep Kharb, senior consultant (endocrinology), Asian Hospital, Faridabad, cautioned against adopting severe dietary restrictions whilst attempting to manage BMI or achieve weight reduction. His recommendation focuses on enhancing physical activity levels and improving the nutritional quality of meals. He emphasises that a well-rounded approach towards weight management can contribute to better mental well-being and reduce Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
New York Post
05-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
It's official: Your diet is making you depressed, according to science
Skipping dessert really can leave you down in the dumps. No one who's been on a diet has ever said, 'I love calorie restriction,' but a new study has found a not-so-surprising link between low-cal eating and depression. And some people have it worse than others. 3 Researchers found that men and those whose BMI classified them as overweight were particularly susceptible to diet-linked depression. Studio Romantic – The dietary habits and depressive symptoms of 28,000 US adults were analyzed for the study, published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health. Of these adults, 29% had a healthy weight, 33% were deemed overweight, and 38% were considered obese. The dietary patterns were divided into four categories: calorie-restrictive, nutrient-restrictive (AKA low in fat), sugar, salt, or carbs, established dietary pattern, or not on a diet at all. The majority of participants, 87%, did not follow any specific diet, 8% followed a calorie-restrictive diet, 3% opted for nutrient restriction, and 2% followed an established dietary pattern. Using questionnaires from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers found that 8% of participants reported depressive symptoms. Those on calorie or nutrient-restrictive diets exhibited higher scores of emotional and physical distress than their cohorts who were not on a specific diet, suggesting that unsupervised restrictive diets may negatively affect mental health. Researchers found that men and those whose BMI classified them as overweight were particularly susceptible to diet-linked depression. 3 Besides affecting your quality of life and relationships, depression can raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. bravissimos – 'The findings suggest caution with overly restrictive or unbalanced diets, particularly for people already experiencing weight-related stress or challenges,' said lead study author Dr. Venkat Bhat, psychiatrist, clinician-researcher, and director of the Interventional Psychiatry Program at St. Michael's Hospital and University of Toronto. Researchers found that the quality of diet had a direct bearing on depression risk. Those whose diet was rife with ultra-processed foods (UPFs) were more likely to report higher levels of depression. Recent research revealed that 60% of Americans' daily caloric intake comes from ultra-processed foods. UPFs often contain high levels of sodium, refined sugars, cholesterol-spiking fats and other lab-based ingredients. A 2023 study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people who consume nine or more servings of UPFs a day have a 50% higher risk of developing depression than those who eat four or fewer daily servings. 3 Previous studies have established that a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, veggies, nuts, fish, and plants can slash depression risk by a third. Eightshot Images – In contrast, this latest study revealed that those who followed a Mediterranean diet exhibited lower rates of depression. Previous studies have established that a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, veggies, nuts, fish, and plants can slash depression risk by a third. In a 2023 Gallup poll, 29% of US adults reported having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetime, while 17.8% of Americans said they have depression or are being treated for it. Besides affecting your quality of life and relationships, depression can raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety disorders and substance abuse. Given the results of this study, Bhat suggests dieters abstain from strict caloric restriction and instead opt for,' balanced, sustainable dietary changes that meet nutritional needs.' Researchers note that their findings only reveal associations, not definitive data. Further, due to the survey format, there's no way to verify that participants truly adhere to caloric restriction. Still, Bhat and his team are hopeful that future studies will continue to examine the relationship between calorie restriction and mental health.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cutting calories can make you depressed - and one type of person is particuarly vulnerable
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.'
ITV News
04-06-2025
- 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.'
