Emerging Evidence Indicates Slight Reduction in Depression Symptoms with Calorie Restriction

Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have explored the impact of dietary interventions on mental health, particularly depression and anxiety in adults. Although the evidence is limited and not definitive, some studies suggest that calorie-restricted and low-fat diets might offer modest benefits in alleviating depressive symptoms, especially in individuals with elevated cardiometabolic risk. However, the certainty of these findings remains low, and their effects on anxiety are less clear.

The research, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed data from 25 randomized controlled trials involving over 57,000 adults. These trials assessed various diets including calorie restriction, low-fat, and Mediterranean-style diets, comparing them to usual eating habits over periods of at least three months. The primary focus was on changes in depression and anxiety severity, with secondary outcomes being the incidence of depression and anxiety and overall quality of life.

Findings indicate that calorie restriction and low-fat diets may contribute to a reduction in depressive symptoms among those at high cardiometabolic risk, although their impact on anxiety remains uncertain. While some evidence hints that low-fat diets could lower anxiety levels, the overall confidence in these results is limited. The effects of Mediterranean diets on depression, anxiety, and quality of life were also found to be uncertain.

Given the current evidence, healthcare professionals advise patients to consult with medical experts before making significant dietary modifications. Further research is needed to determine the potential benefits of dietary interventions as supplementary treatments for depression and anxiety.

This review underscores the need for continued investigation into how specific diets might support mental health, emphasizing cautious interpretation of the existing data.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-limited-evidence-calorie-restriction-slightly.html