Latest news with #SumantraRay
The National
4 days ago
- Health
- The National
Is calorie counting hurting male mental health? Diet culture's impact on men
The diet industry is a profitable one. Despite online body positivity movements and vocal backlash to the so-called diet culture that dominated the media in the 1990s and 2000s, as well as the rise of semaglutides, such as Ozempic, for weight loss, the industry is still projected to reach $354.32 billion in 2025. For the most part, women are the assumed target audience, the gender most impacted by the culture and the loudest voices raising awareness against fad diets. Yet a new study has highlighted how men are more impacted by the pressures of restrictive diets than might commonly be assumed. In its survey of 28,525 adults, research by BMJ Group found that males have a higher correlation of depressive symptoms while on a restrictive diet than their female counterparts. This, in part, can be attributed to the intake of nutrients essential for brain health. Link between diet and mental health 'Calorie-restricted diets often result in nutritional deficiencies, particularly in protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, and induce physiological stress. This can exacerbate depressive symptomatology,' said the researchers, also citing a failure to lose weight and weight cycling – losing weight, then putting it back on – as possible reasons for mental stress. '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.' Chief scientist Sumantra Ray noted this study adds to the evidence linking diets and mental health, 'raising important questions about whether diets that are low in nutrients considered beneficial for cognitive health, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12, may precipitate depressive symptoms'. As with most studies of this sort, the statistics point to correlations over causation, and it's worth remembering that calorie intake is self-reported. Yet the study still shines a light on the impact health and diet pressures have on men, too. Emotional and social disconnect 'Male diet culture exists, but it's often harder to spot because it shows up differently and isn't talked about as much,' says Janani Satchithanantham, specialist dietetics, Aster Hospital, Qusais. This in itself could lead to a greater impact on a man's well-being. 'Men often suffer in silence, disconnected from their true needs and trapped in a cycle of self-judgment. The relationship between diet, self-worth and depression is strong, yet taboo – many men don't feel safe discussing it,' says Walid Tebarki, head Pilates and yoga teacher at The Hundred Wellness Centre. Dr Ash Shishodia, medical director and psychiatrist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre, explains that this can often be due to societal norms that encourage men to be tight-lipped. 'Men may suppress these feelings or express them through anger, irritability or substance use, rather than seeking help, due to gender norms around emotional expression. Dieting and body shame often co-exist with obsessive thoughts, compulsive exercise or emotional eating cycles.' While Shishodia highlights that studies 'consistently show a link between being overweight and higher rates of depression and anxiety, especially in men who are actively trying – and failing – to lose weight', he likewise stresses that this is more complex than research can demonstrate. 'When we impose restrictions like dieting or trying to 'eat clean', it can create a real emotional and social disconnect. Food is more than fuel, it's a ritual, a celebration, a form of belonging.' Stereotypically, men are pressured to be muscular and lean, 'but this pressure is usually framed as 'fitness' or 'discipline' rather than body image', says Satchithanantham. The 'ideal' male body 'Society tends to push a very narrow image of the 'perfect' male body,' says Shishodia. He cites the physique of actors such as Chris Hemsworth and Henry Cavill in movies such as Tho r and Superman, saying 'muscular but lean, with broad shoulders, six-pack abs, a strong chest and low body fat', is the ideal projected time and time again by fitness influencers, gym culture, men's health magazines, video games and action figures. Some celebrities now work to dispel the myth that a movie-star body is the norm. Channing Tatum said of his Magic Mike figure: 'It's hard to look like that, even if you work out all the time. It's not normal.' Robert Pattinson has spoken about the mental health pressure of losing a drastic amount of weight for The Lost City of Z and bulking up for The Batman. Ed Sheeran has spoken about feeling 'fat' compared to his peers in the music industry. Yet, the pressure still lingers, even consumes, many men. Such aspirations don't take into consideration factors such as age, genetics and everyday accessibility. 'I definitely got caught up in it,' says Sam Fishenden, 29, head trainer and nutrition coach at Roar Dubai. 'I remember feeling like I was on the chubbier side in school. Not overweight, but just enough to get the odd comment. Kids being kids, you'd get called names here and there, and those things stick. That's probably where the pressure started. 'There was a sense that if your body didn't look a certain way, you weren't trying hard enough,' he adds. Fishenden, like many of his peers, would read magazines and go online to seek workout routines from media sites that featured six-pack-clad celebrities as cover stars. 'I'd read something like 'Hugh Jackman's arms workout' and just go for it without knowing anything about programming or nutrition, says Fishenden. 'There was no context, no real education. Just a load of plans built for adult men being followed by young lads who didn't have a clue what their body actually needed.' Information over imagery Despite making significant progress with the wealth of resources now available online, misinformation is still a problem, says personal trainer Vahab Vahedi. 'Many men follow extreme diets or routines they find on social media without understanding the science behind them. The issue isn't a lack of access to information, but rather the overwhelming volume of content that's unverified or misleading. Without the proper education or guidance, it's easy to fall into unhealthy habits,' he says. Fitness influencers push a myriad of diet rules, such as high-protein bulking diets, to advise on intermittent fasting, testosterone-boosting supplements or cutting out entire food groups, which links back to the BMJ study's emphasis on nutrients for brain health. 'There's so much noise that it becomes hard to know what's actually right for your body," says Satchithanantham. As he grew older, Fishenden explains that while his physique changed, the pressure he felt never really went away. 'That image of being lean and muscular with low body fat, it stays with you. I chased that for years.' Now, having worked in the business, helping others to achieve their own health goals, that has begun to change. 'Only through experience and coaching others did I realise how much stress it puts on people and how far removed it can be from real health.' And the lack of conversation about the pressure men feel means 'it's easy to silently fall into unhealthy habits that look 'fit' on the outside but aren't sustainable or balanced', he adds. Changing the conversation As always, there is a balance in the power of social media and online chatter. Alongside unrealistic images of male fitness, there is also focus around mental health. But there is still progress to be made. 'I've found that men often take much more time to open up about their body goals or desires,' says Tebarki, but when surrounded by the right support network, it does happen. Tabarki stresses the importance of 'recognising the deeper issues at play', citing work, family and financial pressures men, especially millennials, face. Turning to supplements or intense routines can 'fill an emotional or physical void'. 'We need to shift the focus from external goals and unrealistic ideals to internal awareness and everyday habits... learning to schedule life in a way that respects your body's needs,' says Tebarki. He recommends picking up a meditation practice to build a stronger connection between body and mind. Psychologist and psychotherapist Laurence Moriette at BPS Clinic Dubai reiterates how important this is. 'Focus on how your body feels, what is it like to inhabit it. The energy, the mobility and endurance you have,' she says. 'The body is much more than appearance. The focus needs to be on functioning well. Muscles are by-products, not goals in and of themselves.' Learning and accepting what is achievable for your body type is vital to maintaining good mental health in the face of overwhelming messaging. Pushing back against diet culture, Fishenden says: 'We need to move away from this one-size-fits-all image of fitness.' For those in the industry, this means discussing the entire journey and being realistic about the fitness setbacks and sacrifices it takes to achieve a certain look, including the impact on mental health. 'As coaches, we've got to normalise different body types and talk more about what health actually looks like because it's not the same for everyone.'
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.'
Jordan News
04-06-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Low-Calorie Diets May Worsen Depression Symptoms, Study Finds - Jordan News
A new study published in The BMJ has revealed a concerning link between low-calorie diets and an increased risk of depression symptoms, particularly among individuals who are overweight or obese. اضافة اعلان The research analyzed data from over 28,000 participants in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2018. Depression severity was assessed using a validated health questionnaire. Diet and Mental Health Scientific literature has long supported the idea that diets rich in whole foods—such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins—are associated with a lower risk of depression. In contrast, diets high in processed foods, fried items, and sweets are linked to a higher likelihood of developing depressive symptoms. However, this recent study focused specifically on restrictive diets, whether in terms of calorie intake or nutrient composition. Researchers found that participants who followed low-calorie diets reported higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to those who did not follow any diet. Among overweight individuals, those on a calorie-restricted diet saw a 0.46-point increase in depressive symptom scores, while those on nutrient-restricted diets experienced a 0.61-point increase. Gender Differences in Impact The study also revealed notable gender differences in how restrictive diets affected mental health. For example: Nutrient-restricted diets were associated with greater emotional and cognitive symptoms in men than in women. All participants who followed any form of restricted diet experienced increased physical symptoms like anxiety and tension, particularly obese males. Researchers suggest these effects may stem from the brain's need for essential nutrients like glucose and omega-3 fatty acids. When diets limit these, especially in people with higher nutritional needs, mood and cognitive function may suffer. Limitations and Cautions Despite these findings, lead researcher Sumantra Ray emphasized that the results are observational and do not prove causation. While clinical trials have shown improvements in mood with calorie restriction under controlled conditions, real-life dieting can lead to nutrient deficiencies that negatively affect both physical and mental well-being. Final Recommendations The study urges caution when adopting restrictive diets, particularly for those with overweight or obesity. Consulting with registered dietitians or healthcare professionals is strongly recommended to ensure any diet plan remains balanced and nutritionally adequate, supporting both physical and mental health.
The Independent
04-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Study raises doubt about benefit of low-calorie diet
A new study has found that following a low-calorie diet could increase the risk of developing symptoms of depression, particularly in men and overweight individuals. Canadian researchers analysed data from 28,525 participants in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), noting that nearly 8 per cent reported depressive symptoms. The study found that depressive symptom scores were higher among those restricting calories, which contradicts previous studies that suggested low-calorie diets improve depressive symptoms. Researchers suggest that real-life calorie-restricted diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies and physiological stress, exacerbating depressive symptoms, unlike controlled trials with balanced diets. Professor Sumantra Ray said that the study raises questions about restrictive diets lacking nutrients beneficial for cognitive health and that further well-designed studies are needed.
Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Counting calories and yo-yo diets could increase risk of depression, say experts
Eating less of a bad diet is not going to boost your mental health unless you change what you eat, research suggests after a study showed men are vulnerable to negative impact of 'restrictive eating' Counting calories and yo-yo dieting could increase your risk of depression, new research suggests. Experts say eating healthy whole foods rather than processed foods might be more important than focusing only on cutting down on calories. The study of 28,500 Americans suggests men are particularly "vulnerable" to the negative effects of 'restrictive eating' due to a lack of essential nutrients. The findings, published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention and Health, contradict previous studies which found low-calorie diets improved depressive symptoms. However researchers said earlier controlled trials included tailored and balanced diet programmes that may not be the same as the calorie counting diets people realistically follow in everyday life which contain the same processed foods. Study author Dr Venkat Bhat, of the University of Toronto, Canada, said worsening depressive symptoms could be caused by a failure to lose weight or "weight cycling" - losing weight and then putting it back on. He said: '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." Canadian researchers analysed data on 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. Some 8% of those studied had reported depressive symptoms, while 33% were overweight and 38% were obese. Most 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 research paper concluded: "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.' Researchers said restricting calories can lead to deficiencies in protein, vitamins and minerals which puts the body under stress. Professor Sumantra Ray, chief scientist and executive director of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, which co-owns the BMJ medical journals, 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. Scientists explained that a "healthy" diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean proteins and fish, is generally associated with a lower risk of depression. An "unhealthy diet" - dominated by ultra-processed foods, refined carbs, saturated fats, processed meats and sweets - has been linked to a heightened risk. Prof David Curtis, honorary professor at University College London, wo was not involved in the research, said: "The reported effects are small and some are scarcely statistically significant, so may well be due to chance. Even if it is the case that people who are dieting have more depressive symptoms, I don't see why we should assume that it is the dieting which causes this. "To me it seems plausible that this observation could be accounted for by the fact that people who are more unhappy with themselves, and with their weight in particular, may be more likely to go on a diet in an attempt to change their situation."
