A new study sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases found that depressed patients, after a six-month behavioural weight loss program, lost 8% of their weight and reported significant improvements in depression symptoms. They also reported reductions in triglycerides, which reduces their risk of stroke and heart disease. The results will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behaviour.
The study included 51 subjects, half clinically depressed and half non-depressed. They were given a medically supervised weight loss program including meal replacements and lifestyle modifications. All subjects lost weight, although the depressed subjects lost slightly less than non-depressed subjects (8% vs. 11%, respectively). Interestingly, after 6 months, a questionnaire revealed that the depressed subjects also showed significant improvements in symptoms of depression.
In the past, there were concerns that weight loss might worsen depression symptoms, so clinically depressed people were not included in weight loss studies. Dr. Lucy Faulconbridge, lead author of the study notes, “These concerns, however, are not based on empirical evidence, and the practice of excluding depressed individuals from clinical weight loss trials means that we are learning nothing about this high-risk population.” The results of this study suggest not only can depressed people lose weight, but also that they actually see a reduction in depression symptoms when they do.
The researchers note that the study is small and therefore highlights the need for further research the effect of weight loss on people suffering from psychiatric disorders.
In addition to weight loss and improvements in depressive symptoms, all subjects experienced improvements in glucose, insulin, and HDL cholesterol. Depressed people also showed reduced levels of triglycerides in the blood. Improvements in these markers mean a lower risk of other serious conditions. The message seems to be clear: Weight loss in depressed people is not only possible, it’s highly recommendable.
