Low-Calorie Diets May Ignite Depression Symptoms

New Research Links Calorie Restriction to Increased Anxiety, Particularly in Men

Individuals striving to shed pounds through strict low-calorie diets may be unknowingly increasing their risk for anxiety and depressive symptoms, especially if they are men or have a higher body mass index (BMI).

Study Reveals Mental Health Link

A significant cross-sectional study involving over 28,000 adults found that approximately 7.79% self-reported experiencing depressive symptoms. Researchers noted that while some restrictive diets are medically necessary, this area remains under-researched. The findings indicated that men adhering to calorie-restricted diets reported higher scores for somatic symptoms compared to women not dieting.

The study, published in *BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health*, found no significant association between other dietary patterns or nutrient-rich diets and depressive symptoms. However, it directly contrasted earlier controlled studies, suggesting that calorie-restrictive eating might be associated with elevated depressive symptom scores.

Expert Insights on Nutritional Deficiencies

Dr. Joe Esposito, a board-certified chiropractor and nutrition expert, echoes these concerns, estimating that 30% to 50% of his patients on low-calorie diets experience anxiety or depressive feelings. He emphasizes the crucial role of nutrient intake, stating, “Many times, when people have a low-calorie diet they’re not getting enough nutrients as well.”

“You can have high-nutrient, low-calorie foods, but most people eat low-nutrient, low-calorie foods. So we’ve got to get those nutrients levels into the body if we’re going to do something like a low-calorie diet. We have to make sure you are eating high-quality foods along with taking quality supplements.”

—Dr. Joe Esposito, Host of “The Dr. Joe Show”

Dr. Esposito warns that while the body can survive on insufficient nutrients, it cannot thrive. He also points to the rise in the use of GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic, noting that these medications, while effective for blood sugar and appetite control, may also contribute to lowered mood in some individuals.

Potential for Unintended Consequences

Sumantra Ray, a medical doctor and nutritionist, highlights the complexity of the observed relationship. He suggests that the restrictive nature of some diets can inherently cause stress, and a potential lack of essential nutrients could be a significant factor linking to mental health risks.

“It’s difficult to see whether it is a result of bias or confounding, when a cause-and-effect relationship may seem to exist when it really doesn’t. However, another aspect of this study is the possibility that low-calorie diets may lead to an unintended lack of nutrients leading to possible deficiencies in essential nutrients which may in turn be linked with mental health risks.”

—Sumantra Ray, Founding Chair, NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health

Ray stresses the importance of professional guidance, advising that individuals on calorie-restricted diets should be supported by healthcare professionals with nutrition expertise. He also calls for more robust research to fully understand the intricate connections between diet, mood, and overall mental well-being.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that while significant weight loss can improve many health conditions, it’s crucial to approach it sustainably. For example, a 2023 review of weight-loss programs highlighted that participants who received behavioral counseling alongside dietary changes reported better adherence and weight management outcomes compared to those who did not (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases).

Healthcare professionals suggest that while the study is a valuable starting point, further investigation is needed to clarify whether individuals entered these diets with pre-existing mental health conditions. The findings underscore the importance of holistic approaches to weight management, ensuring both physical and emotional well-being are prioritized.