A popular weight-loss diet may also play a surprising role in easing depression symptoms, according to new research from The Ohio State University.
Researchers found that following a ketogenic, or keto, diet for 10 weeks was linked to nearly a 70% reduction in depression symptoms among college students with major depressive disorder. Participants also reported significant improvements in overall well-being and cognitive performance.
What Is the Keto Diet?
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein eating plan that puts the body into a state called ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. While it’s best known for weight loss, the diet has also been studied for potential benefits in conditions like epilepsy and type 2 diabetes.
Inside the Study
The pilot study included 24 university students, ages 18–30, all of whom had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and were already receiving treatment such as medication, counseling, or both. Sixteen students completed the 10- to 12-week program.
Participants were guided on how to follow the keto diet, eating fewer than 50 grams of carbohydrates daily while increasing fat and maintaining moderate protein intake. Researchers provided starter meals, snacks, and ongoing support through a private app to help students stay on track.
By the second week, self-reported depression scores dropped by 35%. By weeks 10–12, scores improved by about 67%. No participant experienced worsening symptoms. On average, students lost about 11 pounds and reduced body fat by 2.4%.
How Does It Compare to Traditional Treatments?
According to previous studies, medication and counseling typically reduce depressive symptoms by about 50% in a similar timeframe. “The average effect size for medications and counseling after 12 weeks is about 50 percent, and we saw a substantially greater result,” said Dr. Ryan Patel, a psychiatrist at Ohio State who co-authored the study.
Why It Matters
Nearly 40% of college students experience depressive symptoms, yet many do not receive adequate treatment. Nutrition-based strategies like the keto diet may help fill that gap.
“This is one of the first well-controlled studies looking at diet as an adjunctive therapy for depression,” said study lead author Professor Jeff Volek. “There’s more research to do, but the results are encouraging.”
The Caveats
Experts caution that the study was small, and there was no control group for comparison. Larger, more rigorous trials will be needed to confirm the findings.
Still, researchers see promise. “Nutrition is one way we can expand access to support for students on a large scale,” Dr. Patel added.
