Can Low Calorie Diet Impact Your Mental Health?
Embarking on a low-calorie diet could potentially lead to negative mental health, researchers in Toronto, Canada, have revealed. A new study, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health, suggests that the physiological effects of a low-calorie diet may extend beyond physical health, impacting mental health as well. Moreover, the study highlighted the importance of adherence to the assigned diets. Participants who closely followed their meal plans exhibited greater improvements in mental health outcomes. Restrictive diets, especially low-calorie ones, may increase depressive symptoms—particularly in men and overweight individuals—due to nutrient deficiencies and psychological stress, new research suggests. This study contradicts most other scientific evidence out there when it comes to diet choices: most other peer-review studies say that low-calorie diets could improve symptoms of depression. 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. 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. Prevention & Health with BMJ Group comments: “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. Going too far with a diet might have serious impacts on your mental health. Cutting your calories down too far could be linked with worse depression symptoms, new research suggests. 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. A low-calorie diet could increase the risk of developing symptoms of depression a study has suggested, but the consensus remains that losing weight is better for your mental health.
