Low Calorie Diets & Depression Risk
- A new study reveals a potential link between following a low-calorie diet and an increased risk of depressive symptoms.
- Researchers analyzed data from 28,525 adults who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018.
- The findings indicated that individuals on calorie-restrictive diets had slightly higher PHQ-9 scores, suggesting more depressive symptoms, than those not on a specific diet.
New research exposes a connection between low-calorie diets and an increased risk of depression. Specifically, the study indicates that men and individuals carrying extra weight might be more susceptible to negative mental health impacts from calorie restriction. The findings, published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, examined the dietary habits and mental wellness of thousands of adults, highlighting the potential dangers of restrictive eating plans. The data points to nutrient deficiencies as a possible culprit. This study is a prime example of the critically important health news that News Directory 3 is eager to cover. Discover what dietary strategies promote emotional well-being are next.
Low-Calorie Diets Linked to Heightened Depression Risk
Updated June 04, 2025
A new study reveals a potential link between following a low-calorie diet and an increased risk of depressive symptoms. The research, published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, suggests that men and those who are overweight might potentially be especially vulnerable to these effects.
Researchers analyzed data from 28,525 adults who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018. The survey included questions about dietary habits and mental health, using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depressive symptom severity. The study explored how different dietary patterns, including calorie restriction and nutrient restriction, might correlate with these symptoms.
The findings indicated that individuals on calorie-restrictive diets had slightly higher PHQ-9 scores, suggesting more depressive symptoms, than those not on a specific diet. Overweight participants on calorie-restrictive diets showed an even greater increase in these scores. Nutrient-restrictive diets were also associated with higher somatic symptom scores, reflecting distress about physical symptoms.
The study categorized dietary patterns into four groups: calorie-restrictive, nutrient-restrictive, established dietary patterns (like those for diabetes), and no specific diet. Most participants (87%) reported not following any particular diet, while 8% followed a calorie-restrictive diet. Calorie restriction was more common among obese (12%) and overweight (8%) participants.
According to the researchers, the observed gender differences could stem from the impact of low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets on brain health, particularly in men with greater nutritional needs. They suggest that deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12, may contribute to depressive symptoms.
This study adds to the emerging evidence linking dietary patterns and mental health, raising vital questions about whether restrictive diets which are low in nutrients considered beneficial for cognitive health…may precipitate depressive symptoms.
Sumantra Ray, Chief scientist and Executive Director of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, emphasized the need for further research. Ray noted that while the study highlights a potential link between restrictive diets and mental health, the effect sizes are small, and more well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings.
What’s next
Future studies should focus on accurately capturing dietary intake and minimizing confounding factors to better understand the relationship between restrictive diets, nutritional deficiencies, and mental health outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the potential benefits of balanced, nutrient-rich diets for preventing and managing depressive symptoms, especially in vulnerable populations.