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Bidirectional Link between Eating Habits, Lifestyle, Physical Exercise and Depression and Other Mental Disorders

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 September 2024) | Viewed by 16402

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Prof. Dr. Carlo Pruneti

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Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychophysiology, and Clinical Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
Interests: nutrition; psychopathology; mental illness; mood disorders; clinical health psychology
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Dr. Sara Guidotti

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Guest Editor Assistant

Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychophysiology, and Clinical Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
Interests: clinical psychology; clinical neuropsychology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

About 280 million people in the world suffer from depression and 301 million suffer from anxiety, with a worldwide prevalence of 4.4% and 3.6%, respectively (WHO, 2019). These data are even more alarming considering that the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically exacerbated experiences of mental illness. Depression has many causes. Being a condition that affects psychophysical balance, it can, sometimes, be traced back to mental discomfort, whereas, in other cases, it can be linked to biological deficit. More specifically, deflected mood associated with marked psychopathology can generate serious behavioral and autonomic manifestations such as social withdrawal, apathy, asthenia, and anhedonia. However, sometimes specific medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies can generate mood alterations secondarily. For example, some nutritional deficiencies related to the poor absorption or intake of specific micronutrients (i.e., vitamins in group B, D, etc.) can mimic a depressive episode, manifesting as deficits in concentration and other cognitive symptoms.

In many cases, especially if the biological and autonomic alterations are primary, the integration of specific nutrients and micronutrients can be fundamental. Other times, however, an optimal lifestyle can assist traditional therapies or replace them if the period is critical (i.e., adolescence, post-partum, etc). Furthermore, sporting activities can also promote mental health by facilitating the release of specific neurotransmitters capable of making the autonomic nervous system more resilient.

Moreover, there are also psychopathological conditions related to eating and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (i.e., orthorexia) that are capable of generating serious organic impairments.

The objective of this proposed Special Issue on “Bidirectional Link between Eating Habits, Lifestyle, Physical Exercise and Depression and Other Mental Disorders” is to publish selected articles detailing specific aspects of nutrition and other lifestyle interventions, such as participation in physical activity. Contributions describing the effects of mental health on lifestyle and physical health are welcome, as well as works illustrating how specific nutrients and micronutrients can promote better psycho-physical well-being.

Prof. Dr. Carlo Pruneti
Guest Editor

Sara Guidotti
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

depression
eating habits
lifestyle
physical activity
body–mind integration
autonomic imbalance
non-pharmacological treatments
nutritional deficit
biological abnormalities
psychopathology

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multidimensional Assessment of Orthorexia Nervosa: A Case-Control Study Comparing Eating Behavior, Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Body Mass Index, Psychological Symptoms, and Autonomic Arousal

by Sara Guidotti, Alice Fiduccia, Rosanna Sanseverino and Carlo Pruneti

Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020317 - 16 Jan 2025

Viewed by 694

Abstract

Background: The research on orthorexia nervosa (ON) has thoroughly outlined the connection between it and various mental disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorders and eating disorders, in addition to stress. However, research has not considered psychophysical stress and other measures of psychophysical health, such as adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Methods: This cross-sectional and case-control research involved 63 students from the University of Parma, aged between 18 and 49 years. The ORTO-15 questionnaire was utilized to categorize the entire sample into two groups: one without orthorexia (score > 35) and another with orthorexia (score < 35). All subjects were assessed with the Psychophysiological Stress Profile (PSP) and completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). In addition, they were interviewed using the PREDIMED questionnaire to assess adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results: Subjects with orthorexia represented 38.10% of the total sample and reported a higher BMI than controls, although the PREDIMED score did not show a difference in adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The EDI-3 highlighted emotional dysregulation and hypercontrol in students with orthorexia, and a dissociation between subjective and objective measures of stress emerged. Particularly, the psychophysiological parameters of skin conductance, heart rate, and heart rate variability showed greater reactivity to stressful stimuli, but no difference was noted in psychological symptoms. Conclusions: These findings confirmed the presence of alterations in eating behavior in people with orthorexia as well as a higher BMI. It was hypothesized that hypercontrol might favor the perception of psychological well-being at a subjective level, although inadequate management of stress emerged at an objective psychophysiological level. Further studies are needed to highlight the causality between ON, hypercontrol, diet, and psychophysical stress, given that students with orthorexia present a dysregulation of emotions associated with greater autonomic arousal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bidirectional Link between Eating Habits, Lifestyle, Physical Exercise and Depression and Other Mental Disorders)

11 pages, 1720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Body Image Dissatisfaction Is Increased in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Compared to Healthy Matched Controls but Not Diseased Controls: A Case-Control Study from New Zealand

by Stephen Inns, Heidi Su, Amanda Chen, Crispin Ovenden, Joy Alcantara, Priyanka Lilic and Helen Myint

Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010015 - 24 Dec 2024

Viewed by 487

Abstract

Background: Body image dissatisfaction is elevated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as other chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine if the higher rate of body image dissatisfaction in IBD is specific to IBD or characteristic of chronic disease in general by comparing body image dissatisfaction in IBD patients with age- and gender-matched healthy individuals and those with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods: In this New Zealand-based case-control study conducted in a secondary care hospital, consecutive IBD patients aged 16 years and older were matched 1:1 with healthy individuals and T1DM patients based on age and gender. However, availability of controls resulted in a slightly different number of pairs for each comparison between groups. Demographics were documented, and participants completed the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ), RAND SF-36 Quality of Life measures, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Forty-five matched pairs compared IBD patients to healthy controls, while 38 compared IBD patients to T1DM patients. BIDQ scores were higher for IBD patients than healthy controls (2.05 vs. 1.58, p = 0.004) but not significantly different from T1DM patients (2.03 vs. 1.72, p = 0.09). No differences were seen in BMI, smoking, or relationship status across groups. IBD patients had higher depression scores than controls (mean 6.51 vs. 3.87, p = 0.002) but similar anxiety scores (5.51 vs. 4.89, p = 0.258). A 1-point BIDQ increase in IBD patients was associated with a 4.6-fold increase in depression (p = 0.025), after adjusting for clinical and demographic factors. Conclusions: Body image dissatisfaction is prevalent in IBD patients and may be a common feature across chronic diseases. Body image dissatisfaction strongly associates with depression, highlighting the importance of addressing it in IBD management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bidirectional Link between Eating Habits, Lifestyle, Physical Exercise and Depression and Other Mental Disorders)

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12 pages, 277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Symptoms of Depression and Generalised Anxiety Disorder Evaluated through PHQ-9 and GAD-7 and Anti-Obesity Treatment in Polish Adult Women

by Tomasz Witaszek, Karolina Kłoda, Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas and Mateusz Babicki

Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2438; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152438 - 26 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1827

Abstract

Obesity impacts mental health greatly. Psychological factors may influence the effectiveness of its treatment. This study aimed to compare symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder and depression among adult women across different weight categories. The study sample comprised 1105 adult women. The computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) utilising the seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorders Scale (GAD-7) and the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used. Both GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores correlated positively with BMI (r = 0.121, p < 0.001 and r = 0.173, p < 0.001, respectively) and negatively with age (r = −0.106, p < 0.001 and r = −0.103, p < 0.001, respectively). Patients undergoing treatment with semaglutide scored lower for both anxiety symptoms (8.71 ± 6.16, p = 0.013) and depression symptoms (9.76 ± 6.37, p = 0.013). Women who underwent bariatric surgery screened less frequently for anxiety (8.03 ± 6.27, p = 0.002) but not for depression. An interdisciplinary approach involving mental health professionals within the therapeutic team can comprehensively address factors contributing to obesity development and treatment outcomes. Further investigation of semaglutide’s use is needed due to the promising evidence suggesting a positive effect on decreasing the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms to assess the direct or indirect character of this influence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bidirectional Link between Eating Habits, Lifestyle, Physical Exercise and Depression and Other Mental Disorders)

13 pages, 1527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Specific Foods Associated with Depressive Symptoms among Young Adults and Their Bioactive Effects

by Junghyun Park and Hae-Jeung Lee

Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1818; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121818 - 10 Jun 2024

Viewed by 2741

Abstract

Depression represents a widespread and devastating psychiatric public health challenge globally. It is particularly prevalent among young adults in Korea. Certain foods may have medicinal properties that alleviate depressive symptoms. This study aimed to examine the association between specific foods and depressive symptoms among young adults, exploring their bioactive effects and possible mechanisms. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 1000 Korean young adults aged 18–39 years. Food frequency questionnaires were used to assess diets and their associations with depressive symptoms. Results from multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated associations between several specific foods and their effects: milk (odds ratio = 0.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.36–0.94), eggs (0.55, 0.35–0.87), bananas (0.58, 0.36–0.94), oranges (0.62, 0.40–0.96), sweet potatoes (0.60, 0.37–0.97), mushrooms (0.53, 0.31–0.92, females only), and kimchi (0.40, 0.17–0.95, males only). Furthermore, molecular docking indicated that hesperidin had the highest docking score of 5.86 in oranges. Several bioactive compounds identified as potentially beneficial in combatting depression include calcium, casein, alpha-lactalbumin, tryptophan (TRP), vitamin B6 and B12, magnesium, flavonoids (especially hesperidin), carotenoids, ergothioneine, fiber, and probiotics. To recommend these foods in the management of depression among young adults, further clinical intervention studies are necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bidirectional Link between Eating Habits, Lifestyle, Physical Exercise and Depression and Other Mental Disorders)

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14 pages, 688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diet Quality and Resilience through Adulthood: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the WELL for Life Study

by Sparkle Springfield-Trice, Cara Joyce, Yi-Hsuan Wu, Ann W. Hsing, Kristen Cunanan and Christopher Gardner

Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111724 - 31 May 2024

Viewed by 2365

Abstract

Despite evidence suggesting the importance of psychological resilience for successful aging, little is known about the relationship between diet quality and resilience at different ages. Our study aims to examine the association between diet quality and resilience across the stages of adulthood. Using Stanfords’ WELL for Life (WELL) survey data, we conducted a cross-sectional study of diet quality, resilience, sociodemographic, perceived stress, lifestyle, and mental health factors among 6171 Bay Area adults. Diet quality was measured by the WELL Diet Score, which ranges from 0–120. A higher score indicates a better diet quality. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the WELL Diet Score and overall resilience and within the following age groups: early young (18–24), late young (25–34), middle (35–49), and late adulthood (≥50). To test whether these associations varied by age groups, an age group by resilience interaction term was also examined. In the fully adjusted model, the WELL Diet Score was positively and significantly associated with overall resilience (all ages (β = 1.2 ± sd: 0.2, p < 0.001)) and within each age group (early young (β = 1.1 ± sd: 0.3, p < 0.001); late young (β = 1.2 ± sd: 0.3, p < 0.001); middle (β = 0.9 ± sd: 0.3, p < 0.001); and late adulthood (β = 1.0 ± sd: 0.3, p < 0.001)). Young adults demonstrated the strongest associations between diet quality and resilience. However, there were no significant age-by-resilience interactions. Diet quality may be positively associated with resilience at all stages of adulthood. Further research is needed to determine whether assessing and addressing resilience could inform the development of more effective dietary interventions, particularly in young adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bidirectional Link between Eating Habits, Lifestyle, Physical Exercise and Depression and Other Mental Disorders)

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11 pages, 253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differing Within-Household Food Security Statuses Are Associated with Varied Maternal Mental Health Outcomes

by Rachel A. Liebe, Chanit’a Holmes and Sarah A. Misyak

Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1522; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101522 - 18 May 2024

Viewed by 1517

Abstract

Household food insecurity is not necessarily equally experienced by all household members, with mothers often changing their intake first when food resources are limited. The purpose of this study was to understand the association between maternal mental health and intrahousehold differences in food security statuses. A cross-sectional survey was administered to Virginia mothers with low income (August–October 2021), assessing validated measures of food security, mental and physical health and related factors. Participants (n = 570) were grouped according to the food security status of adults and children within the household. Linear regression was used to assess the outcomes of interest by group and controlled for key demographic variables. Mothers in households with any food insecurity reported worse overall mental health and used 3–4 more food coping strategies than households experiencing food security (p < 0.05). Only mothers in households where adults experienced food insecurity reported significantly greater anxiety and depressive symptoms (61.5 and 58.1, respectively) compared to households experiencing food security (55.7 and 52.4, p < 0.001). While any experience of household food insecurity is associated with worse maternal mental health, there were differences by the within-household food security status. Future research should explore screening measures that capture specific household members’ food security to connect households with available resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bidirectional Link between Eating Habits, Lifestyle, Physical Exercise and Depression and Other Mental Disorders)

11 pages, 272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison between Physical Activity and Stress-Related Lifestyle between Orthorexic and Non-Orthorexic University Students: A Case–Control Study

by Sara Guidotti, Alice Fiduccia, Michele Murgolo and Carlo Pruneti

Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091340 - 29 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1681

Abstract

(1) Background: The literature regarding orthorexia nervosa (ON) has well documented the association with other mental disorders, such as obsessive–compulsive and eating disorders. However, the research has not taken into account stress-related behavior and the conduction of physical activity (PA), both structured and unstructured. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 165 students of the University of Parma (92 females and 74 males) aged between 18 and 49 years old (mean = 24.62 ± 4.81) were consecutively recruited. The ORTO-15 questionnaire was used to divide the total sample into a group without orthorexia (score > 40) and a group with orthorexia (score < 40). All subjects completed the P Stress Questionnaire, and specific items were extrapolated from the Eating Habits Structured Interview (EHSI) to investigate lifestyle, including structured and unstructured PA. (3) Results: Subjects with orthorexia represented 83% of the total sample and reported higher levels of stress-related risk behaviors (i.e., sense of responsibility (t = −1.99, p = 0.02), precision (t = −1.99, p = 0.03), stress disorders (t = −1.38, p = 0.05), reduced spare time (t = −1.97, p = 0.03), and hyperactivity (t = −1.68, p = 0.04)) and a higher frequency of PA (i.e., hours spent training in structured PA, daily (t = −1.68, p = 0.05), weekly (t = −1.91, p = 0.03), and monthly (t = −1.91, p = 0.03), the tendency to carry out physical exercise even if tired (t = −1.97, p = 0.02), and to adhere to unstructured PA (i.e., moving on foot or by bike rather than using transport (t = 1.27, p = 0.04)). (4) Conclusions: The results confirmed the presence of hyperactivity at a motor and behavioral level in people with orthorexia. Further studies are necessary to highlight the causality between ON, stress, and physical activity but it may be possible to hypothesize that “obsessive” physical exercise may not generate the benefits generally known by the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bidirectional Link between Eating Habits, Lifestyle, Physical Exercise and Depression and Other Mental Disorders)

19 pages, 5885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gastrointestinal Microbiota & Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Anorexia Nervosa—A Re-Analysis of the MICROBIAN Longitudinal Study

by Jasmin Ketel, Miquel Bosch-Bruguera, Greta Auchter, Ulrich Cuntz, Stephan Zipfel, Paul Enck and Isabelle Mack

Nutrients 2024, 16(6), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060891 - 19 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2288

Abstract

The microbiota–gut–brain axis may play a role in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa (AN). Here, the relationship between the gastrointestinal microbiota and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorder pathology in patients with AN before (n = 55) and after weight restoration (n = 44) was investigated by reanalyzing the data of the MICROBIAN study. The gastrointestinal microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Symptoms of anxiety disorder, depression, and the severity of the eating disorder were measured by validated questionnaires. All analyses were adjusted for the body mass index (BMI). Several significant findings between psychological parameters and the gastrointestinal microbiota were not evident after controlling for the BMI. No differences in alpha and beta diversity between groups of higher and lower symptom severity levels for depression and anxiety were found. Positive associations between species of Blautia and Ruminococcus and depression symptoms, and between the phylum Firmicutes and anxiety symptoms were observed after rehabilitation, respectively. A positive correlation was found between propionate and acetate levels and the reduction of depression severity during inpatient treatment. Accounting for the weight status when analyzing the relationship between psychological parameters and the gastrointestinal microbiota in patients with underweight is important since the BMI may be the driver for many observed changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bidirectional Link between Eating Habits, Lifestyle, Physical Exercise and Depression and Other Mental Disorders)

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Review

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18 pages, 1276 KiB

Open AccessReview

Influence of Metabolic Dysregulation in the Management of Depressive Disorder—Narrative Review

by Paulina Jakubowska, Marta Balcerczyk-Lis, Milena Fortuna, Aleksandra Janiak, Adrianna Kopaczyńska, Sylwia Skwira, Ewelina Młynarska, Jacek Rysz and Beata Franczyk

Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1665; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111665 - 29 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1428

Abstract

Depressive disorders are heterogeneous in nature, and their global reach makes them the cause of suffering for a million individuals worldwide. Standard treatment does not work for one in three people, and side effects can significantly reduce the quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach allows for a broader insight into the nature of the disease, given its complex etiology. One of its elements is the hypothesis of inflammation, which also accompanies obesity-related disease. Obesity and depression interact, causing many researchers to develop new non-pharmacological treatment methods for both diseases. One suggestion is physical exercises that have great potential to be used in clinical practice. They can exert changes on the central nervous system and thus modulate mood. Another is diet, which concentrates on active molecules that also affect the central nervous system (CNS). There is an urgent need to create appropriate criteria and recommendations that systematize existing knowledge and allow it to be used in practice. There is an urgent need to create appropriate criteria and recommendations that systematize existing knowledge and allow it to be used in practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bidirectional Link between Eating Habits, Lifestyle, Physical Exercise and Depression and Other Mental Disorders)

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