Efficacy of fasting and calorie restriction (FCR) on mood and depression among ageing men

J Nutr Health Aging. 2013;17(8):674-80. doi: 10.1007/s12603-013-0344-9.

Abstract

Objective: An intervention study on the FCR (Fasting and Calorie Restriction) dietary regime was carried out to determine its efficacy in improving mood states and depression status among ageing men.

Subjects: A total of 32 healthy males (Mean±SD), aged 59.7±6.3 years, with a BMI of 26.7±2.2 kg/m2 were recruited to the study.

Method: Participants were randomized to either the FCR group (and were instructed to follow a calorie restricted dietary regime with intermittent fasting) or to the control group (in which individuals were asked to maintain their current lifestyle), for a 3 month period. Mood was assessed using the Profile of Mood States and depression was assessed using Beck Depression Inventory-II and Geriatric Depression Scale-15 at baseline, week 6 and week 12 of the intervention.

Results: A total of 31 subjects completed the study (n=16, FCR and n=15, control). Significant decreases in tension, anger, confusion and total mood disturbance and improvements in vigor were observed in participants in the FCR group compared to the control group (p<0.05). No significant changes in mean depression scores were observed. Weight, BMI and percent body fat were reduced by 3.8%, 3.7% and 5.7% respectively in the FCR group.

Conclusions: Our findings show that a FCR dietary regime is effective in improving mood states and nutritional status among ageing men.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue
  • Affect*
  • Aged
  • Anger
  • Body Composition
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight
  • Caloric Restriction / psychology*
  • Confusion / diet therapy
  • Depression / diet therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder / diet therapy*
  • Fasting / psychology*
  • Health
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutritional Status*
  • Stress, Psychological / diet therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome