Following a low-calorie diet may increase the risk of developing symptoms of depression, particularly among men and people who are overweight, according to new research from Canada.
The study, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, challenges previous findings that suggested calorie restriction could help improve mood and mental health. Researchers say earlier trials often focused on carefully designed, balanced meal plans that do not reflect the less structured diets people typically adopt in real life.
Using data from 28,525 participants in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), researchers examined links between calorie intake and depressive symptoms. All participants had completed a health questionnaire that assessed signs of depression such as low mood, fatigue, and sleep problems.
Among the group, 14,329 were women and 14,196 were men. Around 8% reported symptoms of depression, while 33% were overweight and 38% were obese. The majority (87%) were not on a specific diet. However, 2,206 participants reported restricting calories, including 859 who followed “nutrient-restrictive” plans—low in fat, sugar, salt, fibre, or carbohydrates—and 631 who followed diets tailored for conditions such as diabetes.
The researchers found that calorie-restricted diets were more common among those who were overweight or obese. They also observed that people on low-calorie diets reported higher scores for depressive symptoms compared to those not following any diet. This trend was especially strong among overweight individuals.
“Numerous studies have consistently focused on the quality of the diet, comparing ‘healthy‘ versus ‘unhealthy’ eating patterns,” the authors wrote. “Healthy diets—rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and fish—have been linked to a lower risk of depression.”
The findings suggest that while structured, balanced diets may support mental well-being, unsupervised calorie-cutting could have the opposite effect, especially for those already at risk.
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