A new study in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health has found that people who follow strict diets—especially those cutting calories—may be more likely to experience symptoms of depression. The link is stronger in men and people who are overweight or obese.
What the Study Found
Researchers looked at data from over 28,000 adults in the U.S. between 2007 and 2018. All participants completed a survey that measured symptoms of depression.
Here’s what they found:
- 8% of the people showed signs of depression.
- Most participants (87%) were not on any specific diet.
- 8% followed low-calorie diets.
- 3% followed diets that restricted certain nutrients (like sugar, salt, or fat).
- 2% followed diets for health conditions (like diabetes).
People with obesity were more likely to follow a calorie-restricted diet.
Depression Scores Were Higher in Dieters
The study used a tool called PHQ-9 to measure how severe people’s depression symptoms were. The results showed:
- People on low-calorie diets had slightly higher depression scores than those not on a diet.
- Overweight people on calorie-restricted diets had even higher scores.
- Diets low in certain nutrients also showed a stronger link to physical symptoms like fatigue and aches.
Men were especially affected. All three diet types (calorie-restricted, nutrient-restricted, and medical diets) were linked to more physical symptoms in men. Men on nutrient-restricted diets also had more emotional symptoms than women on similar diets.
Why Could Diets Affect Mental Health?
The study doesn’t prove that diets cause depression, but it offers possible explanations:
- Real-life diets might lack important nutrients like protein, vitamins, and healthy fats.
- Not getting enough of these nutrients may harm brain health and lead to depression.
- People may also feel frustrated if they diet but don’t lose weight—or if they gain it back later.
- Men may need more energy and nutrients, so they could feel the effects more when dieting.
Previous studies had found that low-calorie diets can help with depression. But those were usually in controlled settings with well-balanced meals. In real life, people might not eat as carefully.
Expert Opinion
Professor Sumantra Ray, from the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, said the study adds to growing research on how food affects mental health.
He warned that restrictive diets—especially those low in nutrients like omega-3 fats and vitamin B12—might increase the risk of depression.
Concluison
This study shows that being careful with your diet is important—not just for physical health, but also for mental well-being. If you’re thinking about starting a diet, especially one that cuts calories or major nutrients, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or dietitian first.
READ MORE:
- Boney Kapoor’s 26-Kg Loss: Diet Tips for Men Over 50
- Can A Keto Diet Help With Depression and Mood Swings?
- Study Confirms Diet, Not Inactivity, Drives Obesity Epidemic
