A UK-based study of 1896 participants found an association between restrained eating and higher levels of depressive symptoms, particularly in men and adults with elevated body mass index. Men with higher nutritional requirements may be more susceptible to deficiencies on a restrictive diet leading to impairments in energy metabolism and exacerbating somatic symptoms of depression. The study suggests the need for future longitudinal studies to explore these associations in more diverse populations and examine the impact of realistic calorie-restricted diets on depressive symptoms.

Source: BMJ Journals