As a consequence of dietary restriction on mental health, the research found an increase in depressive symptoms in biological men and populations who are overweight or have a high body mass index (BMI).

The team was led by researcher Venkat Bhat, associate professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, Canada.

The research was based on the 2007-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States and included 28,525 adults who completed dietary assessments and other requirements, of whom 7.79 percent reported such symptoms.

On the other hand, in the study, sound diets were associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms, although there is no standardized definition of a healthy diet.

According to the BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health publication, this study reinforces existing knowledge about the possible association of diets such as low-calorie diets with depressive symptoms.

It also provides information for dietary recommendations provided by health professionals regarding risk factors for depression.

It revealed that modifying a diet in a specific way may be associated with worsening depressive symptoms, including somatic and/or cognitive-affective symptoms.

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