New study links real-world dieting to worse depression, especially in men and the overweight
Think your diet is helping your mental health? This new study might surprise you. Calorie restrictive diets could actually make your depression worse, according to research published June 3rd in the BMJ Nutrition journal. Scientists examined over 28,500 adults and found an unexpected connection between cutting calories and declining mental health. Unlike previous studies suggesting diets improve mood, this real-world research revealed the opposite effect.
People restricting calories reported more depressive symptoms like low mood, energy loss, and sleep problems. And the impact was even more pronounced in men and overweight individuals. Why the difference? Earlier studies used carefully balanced meal plans, which don't reflect how people actually diet in everyday life. Real-world calorie restriction often leads to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in protein and essential vitamins, putting your body under stress. While researchers acknowledge some limitations in their findings, this study challenges the common belief that all dieting is healthy. So before drastically cutting calories, consider the potential impact on your mental wellbeing.