Better mental quality of life
- Published in
- Obes Rev 2021
- People studied
- 9,385
In 42 trials of weight-loss programmes built on changing habits, people had fewer depression symptoms and better mental quality of life than comparison groups. This held at the end of the programme and 12 months from the start.
- Checked against
- PubMed 33103340
- Published in
- Obes Rev 2021
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
This pooled analysis looked at 42 randomised trials of behavioural weight-loss programmes in adults with overweight or obesity, with 9,385 people in all. Compared with other groups, people in the programmes had fewer depression symptoms, better mental-health quality of life and more confidence in their own abilities, both at the end of the programme and 12 months from the start. Anxiety, self-esteem and stress did not clearly differ.
At a glance
- Type of study
- pooled analysis of randomised trials (meta-analysis)
- People studied
- 9,385
- How long
- to the end of the programme and 12 months from the start
- Compared with
- comparison groups
- Main result
- Fewer depression symptoms and better mental quality of life than comparison groups.
- Strength of evidence
- Randomised trials
What this study does not show
18 of the 42 trials were at high risk of bias, meaning weaknesses in how they were run could skew the results. Many outcomes had too little data to judge. The authors call for better and longer trials.
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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