Dietary and Medical Interventions That May Lower Depression Risk

Depression affects approximately 5% of the global adult population, significantly impacting quality of life. Emerging research suggests that modifiable lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity, play a crucial role in influencing the risk of developing depression. Recent findings shed light on how dietary choices and medications for chronic conditions might alter this risk.

Diabetes Medication and Depression Risk

Depression is often associated with chronic physical conditions, including diabetes. Data indicates that individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to experience depression compared to those without the condition. A study published in the *Annals of Internal Medicine* in February 2025 explored how various diabetes medications might influence depression risk among those with this metabolic disorder.

The study revealed that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, are associated with a lower risk of depression compared to other diabetes treatments, like dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors such as Januvia. Participants using GLP-1 drugs showed a 10% lower risk of depression than those on DPP4i medications.

Dr. Andres Splenser, an endocrinologist at Memorial Hermann not involved in the study, suggested that the connection might relate to mood and appetite interplay, among other factors. GLP-1 drugs aid in appetite regulation, promoting healthier eating choices and contributing to overall health improvements, possibly explaining the modest reduction in depression symptoms observed in the study.

Dietary Influences: The Case of Oranges

The role of diet in combating depression is well-documented, and a study featured in the journal *Microbiome* in November 2024 provides new insights. Consuming an orange daily may reduce depression risk by up to 20%.

Dr. Raaj Mehta, an instructor at Harvard Medical School and lead author of the study, highlighted this finding, emphasizing that just "one medium orange a day" could be beneficial. The research utilized data from over 32,000 women in the Nurses’ Health Study II, linking citrus consumption to changes in the gut microbiome.

The study identified an increase in 15 bacterial species, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, associated with orange consumption. Low levels of F. prausnitzii correlate with depression, suggesting that boosting its presence through dietary choices could help prevent the condition.

Understanding these connections between lifestyle choices and depression risk is essential in developing strategies for mental health care and disease prevention.