Is Your Diet Impacting Your Mood? Especially If You're a Man

New research suggests calorie-restrictive diets may increase depressive symptoms—particularly in men and overweight individuals. While healthy eating is often linked to better mental health, restrictive diets may lack essential nutrients, negatively affecting mood and cognition.

A study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health analyzed data from over 28,000 U.S. adults. It found that those on calorie- or nutrient-restrictive diets, especially overweight men, reported higher depression scores than those not dieting.

Men on nutrient-restrictive plans experienced more emotional symptoms, while all restrictive diet types were tied to greater physical distress in men. Obese individuals on medical diets also showed increased mental health symptoms.

Although the study is observational and can't confirm causation, it highlights that strict diets—despite good intentions—may harm emotional well-being, especially in vulnerable groups like men and those with excess weight.

10-06-2025