Diets Limiting Caloric Intake Could Enhance Risks of Depression
New Perspective on Dieting and Depression: A Fresh Look
In a groundbreaking study led by researchers from Toronto, they explored how dieting might impact depression symptoms in adults. This investigation dives into the potential negative repercussions of certain dieting methods on mental health.
A significant percentage of adults in the U.S. struggle with their weight, often resorting to various dieting techniques such as calorie restriction or following specific diets like the carnivore diet. Although shedding excess pounds is important for many, it's crucial to focus on using healthy methods to achieve this goal.
The researchers aimed to delve deeper into the connection between dieting and mental health, especially in regards to calorie and nutrient restriction. To do this, they analyzed data from 28,525 adults who participated in both the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The study divided participants into four groups:
- calorie-restricted diet (8%)
- nutrient-restricted diet (3%)
- established medical dietary patterns, such as the DASH diet (2%)
- not on any diet (87%)
The researchers closely monitored how participants responded to the PHQ-9 and factored in variables like body mass index (BMI) and biological sex.
The findings indicated a link between a participant's diet category and their depressive symptoms. Across all groups, 7.79% of participants reported having depressive symptoms. Shockingly, people in the calorie-restriction group exhibited increased overall PHQ-9 scores, with an average increase of 0.29 points compared to the other groups. This increase was more pronounced among those in the calorie-restriction group with higher BMIs, who registered an average increase of 0.46 points.
Interestingly, overweight participants in the nutrient-restriction group didn't display an overall higher PHQ-9 score; however, when looking specifically at overweight people in this group, they registered a significantly higher PHQ-9 of 0.61 points.
Furthermore, some associations emerged based on the biological sex of participants, with an increase in somatic symptoms (physical symptoms related to psychiatric distress) observed in men across all diet categories. Men following a nutrient-restricted diet were also more prone to cognitive-affective symptoms.
Researchers hypothesize that these associations might stem from men having higher caloric needs but not meeting their nutritional requirements through their diet.
Amy Roethler, RDN, LD, a dietitian and nutritionist for Newport Healthcare's PrairieCare program, shared insights about the study's findings. "For many years, there has been suspicion that significant calorie restriction can lead to negative impacts on one's mental health, specifically depressive symptoms," Roethler said. "This study certainly provides additional support to this theory."
Roethler added that she frequently observes patients focusing excessively on calorie restriction while disregarding nutrient intake, which may explain these findings.
Timothy Frie, MS, CNE, a neuronutritionist and nutritional psychology researcher, also expressed his thoughts on the study. According to Frie, calorie restriction can sometimes lead to deficiencies in B vitamins, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates – all essential for neurochemical processes that regulate mood and emotions.
The study authors plan to further examine specific nutritional deficits that might arise due to dieting and evaluate the impact these deficits have on depressive symptoms.
In conclusion, while calorie restriction can potentially elevate depression symptoms, especially in men and overweight individuals, a balanced diet focusing on whole foods can promote mental health. As always, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet regimen.
- The study led by researchers in Toronto focused on the connection between dieting, particularly calorie and nutrient restriction, and symptoms of depression in adults.
- Amy Roethler, a dietitian, noted that the study supports the theory that significant calorie restriction can lead to negative impacts on mental health, specifically depressive symptoms.
- Timothy Frie, a nutritional psychology researcher, believes that calorie restriction can result in deficiencies in essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates, which are crucial for neurochemical processes that regulate mood and emotions.
- The researchers plan to examine specific nutritional deficits that may arise due to dieting and assess their impact on depressive symptoms.
- To maintain overall health-and-wellness, mental-health, nutrition, and fitness-and-exercise, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet focusing on whole foods and consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet regimen.
