Authors
Jihyun Jane Min, Alejandra Ellison-Barnes, Sojeong Nam, Keeyoon Noh
Published in
Nutrition and health. Pages 2601060251404863. Nov 12, 2026. Epub Nov 12, 2026.
Abstract
BackgroundWeight loss provides numerous physical health benefits. However, prior research has mainly examined the mental health effects of weight loss strategies in the general population, rather than on individuals actively trying to lose weight.AimWe explored the link between dietary changes for weight loss and mental health, focusing on depression severity measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the number of days mental health was not good.MethodsWe analyzed data from 3975 participants in the 2005-2006 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, using ordinary least squares regression and binomial regression.ResultsSkipping meals (B = 0.80, p < .001) and female (B = 0.82, p < .001) were associated with higher PHQ-9 scores. Conversely, older age (B = -0.001, p < .001), having college degrees or above (B = -0.59, p < .01), Mexican American (B = -0.43, p < .01), and higher income (B = -0.20, p < .001) correlated with lower PHQ-9 scores. For predicting days mental health was not good, females had higher odds (OR = 1.54, p < .001) while older age (OR = 0.99, p < .01), Mexican American (OR = 0.68, p < .01), college degrees or above (OR = 0.71, p < .05), and higher income (OR = 0.93, p < .001) had lower odds.ConclusionHealthcare professionals providing weight loss guidance should consider patients' baseline mental health and changes associated with different dietary strategies. Using longitudinal methods to establish causal links between diet and mental health is recommended.
PMID:
43018177
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 12 Nov 2026.
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