Low calorie diets linked to a surprising mental health effect, shows new research

Loading in a low -calorie diet could lead to negative mental health, researchers in Toronto, Canada, have revealed.

A new study, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health, investigated how the adoption of restrictive diets could instigate depressive symptoms.

Using the National Health and Nutrition Exam Survey, the researchers analyzed almost 29,000 adults who reported their dietary habits and also completed a mental health questionnaire.

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Almost 8% of these adults reported depressive symptoms.

Compared to those who did not follow a specific diet, those who adhered to a restrictive calorie diet – including overweight individuals – The study found an increase in the severity of depressive symptoms.

People who followed a restricted nutrient diet saw a greater increase in symptoms, while the men who followed any diet showed “higher somatic symptoms scores” compared to non -diets.

The researchers concluded that there are “potential implications of widely followed diets on depressive symptoms and the need for personalized dietary recommendations based on BMI and sex.”

Potential limitations

Judith S. Beck, PHD, president of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Pennsylvania, reacted to these findings in an interview with News Digital.

The expert, who did not participate in the investigation, said he only showed an association between low -calorie and depression diets.

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“This is an important distinction, [because] The correlation is not equal to causality, and having some depressive symptoms does not mean that it has the depression condition, “he said.

Beck said depression and negative emotions can also be caused by multiple cognitive, emotional or behavior factors that are “more directly associated with depressive symptoms.”

Promote healthy habits

The Holistic Nutritionist Certificate Robin Decicco in New York City commented that most Americans would benefit from losing weight, since 70% of Americans have overweight or obesity, according to centers for disease control and prevention (CDC).

This can be done by reducing the intake of sugary drinks and processed foods, and learning how to incorporate more comprehensive foods such as lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and nuts, recommended decicco, which was not involved in the study either.

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The nutritionist also warned against fashion diets.

“It is not sustainable or healthy to follow these trends because, more frequently, they are not educating the public about the type of nutrients it needs to function mentally and physically, so it is not surprised that people can experience depressive and cognitive symptoms affected when losing weight.”

The quality of calories “imports dramatically,” said Decicco.

“While weight loss is calories and calories, it is also the type of calories and what we need for fuel, protection against diseases and mental and physical satisfaction,” he said.

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“The food has the power to help us or harm us, and if we are not eating certain foods known for promoting mental well -being, we will definitely suffer cognitive impairment and an unstable mood.”

As an example, cut fat because they have calories in calories, such as salmon, avocado, olive oil and nuts -As also eliminates nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation, prevent diseases and improve cognition, mood and brain health, Decicco said.

“If someone wants to lose weight but also has a history of cognitive deterioration or is diagnosed with depression, it is even more important to emphasize the food groups mentioned above,” added Decicco.

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Beck echoed the importance of eating in a “very healthy way”, while recommending that people consider cognitive behavioral therapy (TCC).

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“TCC helps people learn cognitive skills (thought) and behavior that need to eat as healthy as possible given their circumstances and change their thinking so that they can make long -term changes in their diet and improve their general health,” he said.

News Digital contacted study researchers to comment.