A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in Annals of Internal Medicine indicates that calorie-restrictive and low-fat diets might modestly reduce depressive symptoms in adults with elevated cardiometabolic risk. However, the certainty of these findings remains low, and the effects on anxiety are unclear. The study, conducted by researchers at Bond University in Queensland, analyzed data from 25 randomized controlled trials involving over 57,000 adults.
The review examined the impact of dietary interventions, including calorie restriction, low-fat diets, and Mediterranean-style diets, on depression and anxiety over at least three months. While calorie restriction and low-fat diets showed potential benefits for depressive symptoms in high-risk groups, the evidence was less conclusive for anxiety. Mediterranean-style diets did not demonstrate clear effects on depression, anxiety, or quality of life compared to usual eating habits.
The study’s lead researcher noted, “These findings suggest dietary changes could play a role in mental health for specific populations, but more robust research is needed.”
The researchers emphasized the low certainty of the results and advised patients to consult healthcare professionals before making dietary changes. Future studies should explore the additive effects of dietary interventions alongside standard treatments for depression and anxiety.
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