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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
Korea Herald
23-06-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
Nearly 40% of new mothers of twins experience depression: study
Almost 30 percent still have some depression after 12 weeks, survey finds, though symptoms less severe Almost two-fifths of mothers of twins experience depression in the weeks immediately after giving birth, while a substantial portion of them are depressed on varying levels afterward and even during pregnancy, a study by a government-affiliated group showed Monday. The Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association, under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, conducted a study on 459 couples who are either raising twins or are currently impregnated with twins. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and EPDS-K, a localized version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, were used in the study. It found that 30.2 percent of women who had given birth to twins within the past 12 weeks were experiencing severe depression, while 9.3 percent had mild depression. The study used a three-level scale of depression: mild, moderate, and severe. Although the rate of severe depression dropped significantly as mothers progressed further into child-rearing, about 28 percent still had some level of depression. When surveying all mothers of twins — including those who had given birth more than 12 weeks prior — 55.1 percent were found to be showing symptoms, although most did not meet clinical diagnostic thresholds for depression. About 9.7 percent were found to have severe depression, 6.6 percent had moderate depression, and 11.5 percent were experiencing mild depression. Fathers raising twins also reported signs of depression, although to a lesser extent than mothers. Some 2.6 percent were severely depressed, 9.1 percent experienced mild depression, and 26 percent showed symptoms below the clinical level. The study showed that 20.4 percent of the mothers pregnant with twins were also depressed, 8.3 percent on a severe level and 8.3 percent on a mild level. The findings from the KoPHWA indicated higher levels of depression than were found in separate studies of postpartum depression that were not limited to mothers of twins. In 2024, researchers of CHA Bundang Medical Center released a study that showed 16.3 percent of the new mothers were depressed, based on their survey of 2,512 women. A separate survey by the KoPHWA in 2024, 94.7 percent of the parents raising twins said that they needed more support from authorities than parents of a single child. Despite the difficulties, 85.6 percent of the respondents said that raising twins had more positive aspects than negative ones, with 30.7 percent citing the advantage of having multiple children through a single birth. "The recent survey showed that it is necessary to provide psychological and emotional support for the parents in the pregnancy, birth, and child-raising process of twins. ... The association will work with the related government agencies to reduce the burden of child rearing," said Dr. Lee Sam-sik, the president of the KoPHWA.
Korea Herald
23-06-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
Nearly 40% of new mothers of twins suffer from depression: study
Almost 30 percent still have some depression after 12 weeks, survey finds, though symptoms less severe Almost two-fifths of mothers of twins suffer from depression in the weeks immediately after giving birth, while a substantial portion of them are depressed on varying levels afterward and even during pregnancy, a study by a government-affiliated group showed Monday. The Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association, under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, conducted a study on 459 couples who are either raising twins or are currently impregnated with twins. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and EPDS-K, a localized version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, were used in the study. It found that 30.2 percent of women who had given birth to twins within the past 12 weeks were experiencing severe depression, while 9.3 percent were suffering from mild depression. The study used a three-level scale of depression: mild, moderate, and severe. Although the rate of severe depression dropped significantly as mothers progressed further into child-rearing, about 28 percent still had some level of depression. When surveying all mothers of twins — including those who had given birth more than 12 weeks prior — 55.1 percent were found to be showing symptoms, although most did not meet clinical diagnostic thresholds for depression. About 9.7 percent were found to have severe depression, 6.6 percent had moderate depression, and 11.5 percent were experiencing mild depression. Fathers raising twins also reported signs of depression, although to a lesser extent than mothers. Some 2.6 percent were severely depressed, 9.1 percent suffered from mild depression, and 26 percent showed symptoms below the clinical level. The study showed that 20.4 percent of the mothers pregnant with twins were also depressed, 8.3 percent on a severe level and 8.3 percent on a mild level. The findings from the KoPHWA indicated higher levels of depression than was found in separate studies of postpartum depression that was not limited to mothers of twins. In a 2024, researchers of CHA Bundang Medical Center released a study that showed 16.3 percent of the new mothers were depressed, based on their survey of 2,512 women. A separate survey by the KoPHWA in 2024, 94.7 percent of the parents raising twins said that they need more support from authorities than parents of a single child. Despite the difficulties, 85.6 percent of the respondents said that raising twins had more positive aspects than negative ones, with 30.7 percent citing the advantage of having multiple children through a single birth. "The recent survey showed that it is necessary to provide psychological and emotional support for the parents in the pregnancy, birth, and child-raising process of twins. ... The association will work with the related government agencies to reduce the burden of child rearing," said Dr. Lee Sam-sik, the president of the KoPHWA.
Health Line
11-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Low Calorie Diets Linked to Depression. Try These Healthy Eating Habits Instead
Calorie-restricted dieting is linked to an increased risk of depression in a new study that finds anyone who is on a 'diet' is more likely to be depressed. The findings were especially pronounced in people with overweight, who were more frequently depressed when following nutrition-restricted diets. Experts recommend a healthy, well-balanced diet as the surest way to successful, sustained weight management. New research suggests that people following a calorie-restricted diet may be at an increased risk of depression compared to non-dieters. The findings, published on June 2 in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, found that both calorie- and nutrient-restrictive diets are associated with a higher incidence of depression in individuals with overweight. Calorie-restricted diets are associated with increased cognitive-affective symptoms in these individuals, while nutrition-restricted diets are linked to somatic symptoms. Previous studies examining the potential relationship between dieting and depression have not resulted in a consensus on the matter. The new study is an observational study that cannot directly establish cause and effect. As such, its authors frame it as an effort to contribute to the ongoing conversation. Low calorie diets and depression risk The cross-sectional study analyzes data collected from 28,525 respondents in the nationally representative 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 14,329 females and 14,196 males were included. The NHANES study measured the incidence of depression in participants by having them respond to the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). In general, PHQ-9 scores range from 0 to 27, with scores of 5–9 considered mild depression, 10–14 moderate depression, 15–19 moderately severe depression, and equal to or greater than 20 considered severe depression. Most of the participants, 25,009, were not on a diet and served as controls. A higher percentage of males (90%) weren't dieting than females (85%). PHQ-9 scores for people on calorie-restricted diets averaged 0.29 points higher than for those who weren't dieting. Of participants who were dieting, 2,026 were on a calorie-restricted diet, and 859 were on a nutrient-restricted diet. The remaining 631 were eating according to an established dietary pattern, such as one optimized for a medical condition, such as diabetes or hypertension. For people with overweight, increases in PHQ-9 scores were somewhat greater for calorie-restricted diets, 0.46 points, and uniquely elevated for nutrient-restricted diets, 0.61 points. Mental health impacts of dieting Ritu Goel, MD, board certified child, adolescent, and adult integrative psychiatrist, told Healthline that many people label foods as either 'good' or 'bad,' which, over time, may impact how they view themselves. 'Their identity becomes tied to weight, and the number on the scale begins to shape their sense of self-worth,' Goel explained. Rachel Goldberg, LMFT, PMH-C, a therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image in Los Angeles, CA, echoed this sentiment. 'Many people begin restricting in an effort to control their diet, almost always with the goal to lose weight,' she told Healthline. 'But inevitably, this leads to eating more than planned and feeling out of control. On a physiological level, calorie restriction lowers a person's bandwidth to handle stress.' Extended restrictive diets can result in low levels of protein, iron, and vitamin D, for example. 'In attempting to 'fix' one area of health, individuals may inadvertently disrupt others, particularly mental health,' Goel suggested. Goldberg reported that her clients become 'more upset at things that typically wouldn't bother them, or they stop feeling joy for things they used to.' 'Restriction isn't a shortcut. It's a trap, because it's not sustainable and keeps you in a painful loop that takes up your mental energy,' she added. How many calories do you need each day? A calorie is a unit that measures energy: In foods, it is the number of energy units a food contains. When you expend energy through physical activity, calories are the number of energy units you spend. The number of calories a person requires depends on several factors, including gender, age, and level of physical activity. In general, most females need a minimum of 1,600 daily calories to maintain their weight, while males may need a minimum of 2,000 calories. How to practice healthy eating habits Michelle Routhenstein, MS, a registered dietitian specializing in heart disease, told Healthline she often works with people after they tried calorie-restrictive diets that didn't work long-term. Routhenstein said that it's vital for long-term weight management success to focus on balanced, and therefore, sustainable, changes to the way one eats. A particularly helpful habit is to practice mindful eating, in which a person learns to pay attention to the body's true hunger cues as well as easily missed fullness cues. Pausing toward the end of a meal to give a fullness cue a chance to be 'heard' may be a handy trick to help avoid overeating. Eating on a regular schedule can help reduce unwanted random eating and can also prevent hunger due to overlong periods without food. As Goel had mentioned, it can be helpful to avoid labeling foods as 'good' or 'bad.' 'This can backfire,' said Routhenstein. 'Instead, focus on choosing foods that provide nourishment and satiety to support a positive and balanced approach.' Routhenstein recommended seeking support from a registered dietitian 'who can offer personalized guidance and accountability on your journey to healthier eating.'
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Cutting back on calories? Experts reveal how it affects the mind
A recent study in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health reveals a potential link between low-calorie diets and depressive symptoms, particularly in men and overweight individuals. Researchers analyzed data from over 28,000 adults, finding that calorie-restrictive diets correlated with higher depressive symptom scores. Calorie counting is not a new thing, but today, more and more people are growing conscious of their calorie intake. No wonder low-calorie diets continue to dominate health trends. But is it beneficial for you? Cutting back on calories may seem the right step, especially if you have a certain fitness goal or are on a weight loss plan. However, a new study suggests that the low-calorie diet might be making you grumpy. A new study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health looked at the link between low-calorie diets and depressive symptoms. Diet and depression The researchers found that low-calorie diets are linked to heightened risk of depressive symptoms. They observed that men and the overweight are especially vulnerable to the effects of restrictive eating. The researchers explained that a 'healthy' diet rich in minimally processed foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean proteins and fish, is generally associated with a lower risk of depression, however, an 'unhealthy' diet, dominated by ultra-processed foods, refined carbs, saturated fats, processed meats and sweets, is generally associated with a heightened risk. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mistura chinesa faz cabelo crescer e homem fica irreconhecível Resultados em 30 dias Undo As people follow different types of diets for health or medical reasons, including those that restrict calories or particular nutrients, they wanted to understand whether these other dietary patterns might be associated with a risk of depressive symptoms. The study To understand the mental health implications of specific diet types, the researchers analyzed data from 28,525 adults (14,329 women and 14,196 men) who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018. Participants also completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a tool used to measure the severity of depressive symptoms. The findings were shocking. 2508 people (just under 8%) reported depressive symptoms, and 7995 participants (29%) had a healthy weight; 9470 (33%) were overweight; and 11060 (38%) were obese. The participants were asked about their diet, and based on the dietary patterns, they were categorised into 4 groups: (1) calorie-restrictive; (2) nutrient-restrictive (low in fat/cholesterol, sugar, salt, fibre, or carbs); (3) established dietary patterns (adapted for diabetes, for example); and (4) not on a diet. Most participants (25,009, 87%) said they weren't on any specific diet . 2026 (8%) of them followed a calorie-restrictive diet, 859 (3%) a nutrient-restrictive diet, and 631 (2%) an established dietary pattern. 90% of men and 85% of women said they weren't on a diet. Calorie restriction was reported in obese participants (1247;12%) and those who were overweight (594; 8%). The researchers also noticed that nutrient-restrictive and established dietary patterns were less commonly reported, with the highest proportion of established dietary pattern users among obese participants (359; 3%). The study found that PHQ-9 scores, a measure of depressive symptom severity were 0.29 points higher among those on calorie-restrictive diets compared with those not following any specific diet. For overweight individuals following such diets, the increase was even greater: 0.46 points higher for calorie-restrictive diets and 0.61 points higher for nutrient-restrictive diets. They found that calorie-restrictive diets were linked to higher cognitive-affective symptom scores (measure of relationship between thoughts and feelings) while nutrient-restrictive diets were associated with higher somatic symptom scores (excessive distress and anxiety about physical symptoms). These scores also varied by gender. A nutrient-restrictive diet was associated with higher cognitive-affective symptom scores in men than in women not on a diet, while all 3 types of diet were associated with higher somatic symptom scores in men. Also, people 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. What are the experts saying The findings contradict previous research that 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 said. They also suggested that another possible explanation might be a failure to lose weight or weight cycling—losing weight and then putting it back on. '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 added. Professor Sumantra Ray, Chief Scientist and Executive Director of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, in a statementsaid, '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. ' Emergency Op For Viktor Krum Actor; Stanislav Yanevski's Shocking Health Crisis '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,' Ray added. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
