Cutting calories too strictly might worsen mental health.

Calorie Restriction May Worsen Mental Well-being, Study Finds

Cutting calories severely could have a detrimental effect on your mental health, according to a recent US study, the research, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, which looked at over 28,000 adults. The study specifically noted a link between restrictive eating and increased signs of depression, especially in men and those with higher BMIs.

The Link Between Dieting, Mental Health, and Overall Well-being

A recent study reveals that people on low-calorie diets often report more signs of depression. The quality of the diet also plays a significant role: those who ate more ultra-processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats experienced worse symptoms, while individuals following Mediterranean-style diets tended to fare better.

These findings suggest that overly restrictive or unbalanced diets should be approached with caution, especially for individuals already dealing with weight-related stress or challenges.

Important Considerations and Expert Advice

It's important to note that this study only found an association, not a direct cause, between restrictive diets and mental health. While some studies have shown that supervised calorie restriction can improve mood, this new research highlights that unsupervised dieting might lead to nutritional deficiencies, potentially worsening depressive symptoms. These findings might reflect that unsupervised dieting, which can produce nutritional deficiencies, might not be good for depressive symptoms.

Severe calorie cuts can also cause nutrient deficiencies and disrupt bodily functions, leading to issues like fatigue, sleep problems, and poor concentration. Studies suggests that "focusing on following a healthful eating pattern that supports mild to moderate caloric restriction may improve depressive symptoms and mood."

Experts recommend balanced eating over drastic restrictions. Dietitians advises checking your meals: "Does your plate have a protein, carbohydrate, healthy fat, and some fibre and nutrients through fruits and vegetables?"

Experts emphasize the need for personalized dietary plans that consider an individual's psychological well-being. Woodruff suggests, "Consider working with a registered dietitian to understand what a healthful dietary pattern can look like for you."

By: Akhtar Bukhari