Low-Calorie Diets May Harm Mental Health, New Study Warns
Sarah Johnson
June 20, 2025
Brief
New research links low-calorie diets to increased depressive symptoms, urging personalized dietary plans for mental and physical health balance.
In a surprising twist, new research from Toronto, Canada, suggests that low-calorie diets might not just trim your waistline but could also weigh heavily on your mental health. Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health, the study dives into how restrictive eating habits may spark depressive symptoms among dieters.
Drawing from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the analysis of nearly 29,000 adults revealed a startling connection. About 8% of participants reported depressive symptoms, with a notable uptick in severity among those adhering to calorie-restrictive diets—even in overweight individuals. Those on nutrient-restricted plans fared worse, and men on any diet showed heightened somatic symptoms compared to non-dieters.
The findings point to a critical need for personalized dietary advice, factoring in body mass index (BMI) and gender. Experts caution that while the association between low-calorie diets and depression exists, it’s not a direct cause-and-effect scenario. Depressive symptoms don’t equate to clinical depression, and other emotional or behavioral triggers could be at play.
Holistic nutritionists emphasize the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to calories. Slashing fats like salmon or avocado might cut calories, but it also strips away vital nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which bolster brain health and mood stability. For those with a history of cognitive decline or depression, prioritizing these food groups becomes even more crucial during weight loss efforts.
The broader takeaway? Weight loss isn’t just a numbers game of calories in versus calories out. It’s about fueling the body with the right nutrients to protect against disease and maintain mental well-being. Experts also suggest pairing healthy eating with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to sustain long-term lifestyle changes and improve overall health.
This research serves as a reminder: chasing a slimmer figure shouldn’t come at the cost of a heavier heart. Diets need to nourish both body and mind, not starve them.
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Editor's Comments
Well, isn’t this a bitter pill to swallow? We’re told to cut calories for a healthier life, but turns out, it might just cut into our happiness instead. I can’t help but picture a dieter staring at a sad salad, muttering, ‘Is this kale worth my soul?’ The real diet trap here isn’t just the missing dessert—it’s missing the nutrients that keep our minds from going on strike. Let’s not starve our smiles, folks!
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