A recent study published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health analyzed data from over 28,500 participants in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, focusing on the relationship between diet and depressive symptoms.

Among the participants, nearly 8% reported experiencing depressive symptoms, with a significant portion being overweight or obese.

The study categorized dietary patterns into four groups: calorie-restrictive, nutrient-restrictive, established dietary patterns, and those not on a diet.

Of the participants, 2,206 were on calorie-restrictive diets, 859 followed nutrient-restrictive diets, and 631 adhered to tailored diets for specific health conditions.

Notably, nutrient-restrictive diets were linked to a 0.61 point increase in PHQ-9 scores, indicating a potential negative impact on mental health.

Professor Sumantra Ray highlighted the growing evidence connecting diet to mental health, raising concerns about nutrient deficiencies that can arise from restrictive eating patterns.

However, researchers caution that the study is observational, meaning that definitive causal conclusions cannot be drawn from these findings.

The complexity of real-world eating habits was also noted, emphasizing the limitations of simply categorizing diets as 'healthy' or 'unhealthy'.

Previous research has consistently pointed to the benefits of diets rich in minimally processed foods, while also warning against the risks associated with diets high in processed foods.