Olive Oil: Overcoming Anxiety and Depression

 

Obesity, anxiety, and depression are disorders that increasingly intersect in modern society. However, treatment opportunities that take all these aspects into account are still under-researched. A recent Brazilian study explored the effectiveness of a traditional Brazilian diet (DieTBra) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in improving symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with severe obesity. This research offers interesting insights into how nutritional therapy can be an important resource for improving mental health in obese individuals.

Methodology of the study

The DieTBra Trial was a parallel randomized clinical trial conducted in adults with severe obesity, defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or greater. Participants were randomly divided into three intervention groups: the first group followed the traditional Brazilian diet (DieTBra), the second group took 52 mL/day of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and the third group combined the DieTBra diet with the intake of 52 mL/day of EVOO. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. At the end of 12 weeks, 113 individuals completed the study.

Results of the study

After 12 weeks of intervention, all three groups showed a significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms. In the EVOO group, there was a 38.23% reduction in anxiety symptoms (p = 0.019), in the DieTBra group a 45.83% reduction (p = 0.014), and in the DieTBra + EVOO group a 33.33% reduction (p <0.013). Regarding symptoms of depression, there was a reduction of 55.17% (p <0.001) in the EVOO group, a reduction of 50.00% (p <0.007) in the DieTBra group, and a reduction of 34.61% (p <0.035) in the DieTBra + EVOO group. Finally, regarding concomitant symptoms of anxiety and depression, a reduction of 57.69% (p <0.001) was observed in the EVOO group, a reduction of 66.67% (p <0.014) in the DieTBra group, and a reduction of 27.78% (p <0.013) in the DieTBra + EVOO group.

Conclusions of the study

The study showed that both the traditional Brazilian diet and extra virgin olive oil were effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in severely obese adults. These results are promising and indicate that integration of such nutrition therapy interventions could be an important resource for treating symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with severe obesity. This research suggests that nutrition may play a key role in promoting mental well-being in obese individuals, paving the way for new clinical approaches that take into account the interaction between mental health and eating habits.

The relationship between obesity, anxiety and depression

Obesity is a condition involving the excessive accumulation of body fat, often associated with a range of health problems. Among them, anxiety and depression are common mental disorders that often coexist with obesity. Scientific research has shown that there is a bidirectional relationship between obesity and mental health: on the one hand, obesity can increase the risk of developing anxiety and depression due to social, psychological, and biological factors; on the other hand, anxiety and depression can negatively affect eating behavior, leading to an increased likelihood of suffering from obesity.

The promise of nutritional therapy in obesity

Treatment approaches for obesity often focus on reducing body weight through exercise and calorie management. However, research on the interaction between diet and mental health is opening new avenues in the treatment of obesity and associated mental disorders. Nutritional therapy, through the use of balanced diets and the inclusion of beneficial foods, could be a key element in promoting mental well-being in obese individuals. The Brazilian study on DieTBra and extra virgin olive oil is an example of how science is exploring the potential of nutrition in managing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The traditional Brazilian diet

The traditional Brazilian diet (DieTBra) is characterized by abundant consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins. This type of diet is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which can help improve mental health. In addition, the DieTB

ra is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, making it a healthy choice even for those struggling with obesity.

The extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a key component of the Mediterranean diet, widely recognized for its health benefits. EVOO is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, which have been shown to have positive effects on the cardiovascular system and brain. Polyphenols in olive oil also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may play an important role in improving mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Implications for clinical practice

The results of the Brazilian study offer important implications for clinical practice. Supplementing nutritional therapy with DieTBra and extra virgin olive oil could be an effective option for improving mental health in individuals with severe obesity. Health professionals, such as physicians, nutritionists, and psychologists, could collaborate to develop clinical protocols aimed at managing both obesity and mental disorders with a holistic and integrated approach.

Conclusions

Obesity, anxiety, and depression pose complex public health challenges with significant impacts on quality of life and health care resources. The Brazilian study showed that nutritional therapy, based on the traditional Brazilian diet and extra virgin olive oil, can be a powerful tool for improving symptoms of anxiety and depression in severely obese individuals. These findings open new perspectives for the treatment of patients with mental health problems and obesity, offering an integrated approach to overall well-being. Science continues to investigate the importance of nutrition in mental health and obesity