Calorie counting associated with higher risk of depression
Quelle: VIDEOELEPHANT (Glomex)
Calorie counting can not only be unpleasant but also increase the risk of depression. This emerges from a new study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. The researchers found that people who ate low-calorie diets showed more symptoms of depression than those who did not diet. Men and overweight individuals were particularly affected. "Low-calorie diets were associated with higher depression scores, unlike previous studies," said lead author Dr. Venkat Bhat, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. The team also pointed out that restrictive diets can deprive the brain of important nutrients needed for mood regulation. The study analyzed data from over 28,500 adult US citizens between 2007 and 2018. Participants reported their dietary habits and completed a survey on depression symptoms. About 87% did not diet, while 8% followed a low-calorie plan. Those who ate low-calorie diets consistently had higher depression scores, with the effect being stronger in overweight individuals and men. Unlike previous clinical studies with carefully balanced diets, calorie reduction often leads to nutritional deficits and additional stress in practice, the researchers said. Low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets can impair brain function, especially in men with higher nutrient requirements. Nutrition expert Dr. Sumantra Ray said the results complement the growing evidence of a link between diet and mental health but noted that the effects were modest and further research was needed.