Losing weight when you are overweight should be a cause for celebration – but often it leaves people depressed, researchers warned last night.
The struggle to resist tempting foods and to keep fit may be one of the factors that hampers the joy of successful dieters, researchers said.
Researchers from University College, London, UK, published their findings in the scientific journal PLoS One.
They studied nearly 2,000 overweight and obese adults – and found that those who shed more than 5% of weight were more likely to be depressed than others.
The researchers found that successful dieters as much as 78% more likely than unsuccessful ones to be depressed.
Another possible explanation is that people who are naturally depressed are more likely to focus on losing weight – as the study did not measure changes in mental health.
Researcher Dr Sarah Jackson said: “We do not want to discourage anyone from trying to lose weight, which has tremendous physical benefits, but people should not expect weight loss to instantly improve all aspects of life.
“Resisting the ever-present temptations of unhealthy food in modern society takes a mental toll, as it requires considerable willpower and may involve missing out on some enjoyable activities. Anyone who has ever been on a diet would understand how this could affect wellbeing.
"However, mood may improve once target weight is reached and the focus is on weight maintenance."
Fellow researcher Professor Jane Wardle said that surveys showed 60% of overweight adults were trying to lose weight.
She said: "There are clear benefits in terms of physical health, which our study confirmed. People who lost weight achieved a reduction in blood pressure and serum triglycerides; significantly reducing the risk of heart disease.
"However, patients and doctors alike should be aware that there is no immediate psychological benefit and there may be an increased risk of depression.”
Jackson et al. Psychological changes following weight loss in overweight and obese adults: a prospective cohort study. PLoS One 6 August 2014
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