Fewer depression symptoms
- Published in
- Diabetes Care 2014
- People studied
- 5,145
In a trial of 5,145 people with type 2 diabetes, a weight-loss programme lowered the risk of developing depression symptoms by 15% over 8 years.
- Checked against
- PubMed 24855155
- Published in
- Diabetes Care 2014
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
Look AHEAD randomly assigned 5,145 adults with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes to an intensive lifestyle programme aimed at weight loss, or to diabetes support and education. It followed them for a median of 9.6 years. The lifestyle group had a 15% lower risk of developing mild or more serious depression symptoms. They also reported better physical function than the comparison group for the first 8 years.
At a glance
- Type of study
- randomised trial (Look AHEAD)
- People studied
- 5,145
- How long
- median 9.6 years
- Compared with
- diabetes support and education
- Main result
- 15% lower risk of developing depression symptoms than the comparison group.
- Strength of evidence
- Randomised trials
What this study does not show
Only people with type 2 diabetes took part. Scores for mental quality of life did not differ between the groups.
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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