Study finds prebiotics and probiotics effect on depression and obesity

Obesity and depression frequently co-occur, along with anxiety disorders, sharing a bidirectional relationship. Depression often leads to comfort eating and inactivity, increasing the risk of obesity by 40% during emotional stress. Conversely, obesity can heighten the likelihood of anxiety or depression due to negative self-image and societal stigma. While antidepressants effectively treat depression, they may contribute to weight gain.

In this study, researchers explored the potential of gut microbes in treating both obesity and depression, focusing on the role of probiotics and prebiotics. They found that dietary patterns influence around 57% of gut microbiota composition. Probiotics enhance the gut barrier and immune system, improving depressive symptoms. Additionally, supplementation with fatty acids and vitamins E and D, along with specific diets like the Mediterranean or DASH diets, may help counter severe depression and reduce neuroinflammation.

The findings suggested that depression and obesity risk could be reduced with both the DASH and the MD. High-quality vegetarian diets were protective against depression, underlining the pivotal role of diet quality. Furthermore, some clinical trials in humans suggested a positive effect of probiotics on depressive disorders as well as on obesity and related metabolic conditions like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Reference: Klaudia Sochacka,Agata Kotowska and Sabina Lachowicz-Wiśniewska; The Role of Gut Microbiota, Nutrition, and Physical Activity in Depression and Obesity—Interdependent Mechanisms/Co-Occurrence; Journal: Nutrients; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071039