Fewer low moods on a lower-calorie diet
- Published in
- Adv Nutr 2024
- People studied
- 2,040
Across 13 randomised trials in adults with conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, diet programmes went with a small drop in depression symptoms compared with control groups. The drop was a little larger with lower-calorie diets.
- Checked against
- PubMed 38184198
- Published in
- Adv Nutr 2024
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
This pooled analysis looked at 13 randomised trials of diet programmes in adults with overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. On average, people on a diet programme had slightly fewer depression symptoms than control groups, and the effect was a little larger for lower-calorie diets. The diets showed no clear effect on anxiety.
At a glance
- Type of study
- pooled analysis of randomised trials (meta-analysis)
- People studied
- 2,040
- How long
- 1 month to 3 years
- Compared with
- control groups on their usual habits or given general diet advice
- Main result
- Small drop in depression symptoms, mainly on lower-calorie diets; no clear effect on anxiety.
- Strength of evidence
- Randomised trials
What this study does not show
The effect was small, and the trials differed a lot in diet, length and the people taking part. Not every trial was in people with overweight, and anxiety did not improve.
Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
More on brain and mood
- Fewer depression symptomsRandomised trials · Rubin et al., Diabetes Care 2014
- Small gains in memoryLong-term or observational studies · Siervo et al., Obes Rev 2011
- Better mental quality of lifeRandomised trials · Jones et al., Obes Rev 2021
- Sharper thinking in older ageRandomised trials · Napoli et al., Am J Clin Nutr 2014
- Fewer low moods on a lower-calorie dietRandomised trials · Paris et al., Adv Nutr 2024
- Better body imageLong-term or observational studies · Chao, PLoS One 2015
- More energy and better mental healthRandomised trials · Imayama et al., Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2011
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