Spending 10 weeks on the keto diet may reduce depression symptoms in college students by nearly 70 percent—20 percent more than traditional treatments.
This is the conclusion of a study by researchers from the Ohio State University, who placed 24 subjects on the high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet.
By drastically cutting carbs and increasing the consumption of fat and protein, the keto diet is intended to trigger “ketosis”—a metabolic state in which the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates.
Depression is estimated to impact around 40 percent of U.S. college students. With many unable to access consistent treatment, researchers say that nutrition could provide a scalable way to support mental health in this population.
“Our results provide additional evidence that changing your diet to one that achieves nutritional ketosis provides an alternative fuel for the brain that may contribute to less depression,” paper author professor Jeff Volek told Newsweek.
A stock image of a depressed young student sitting on floor back at college.
A stock image of a depressed young student sitting on floor back at college.
Halfpoint/iStock
How It Worked
Sixteen students at Ohio State University with major depressive disorder completed the pilot trial. All were already receiving medication, counseling, or both.
Each participant was educated on how to follow a ketogenic diet consisting of fewer than 50 grams of carbs per day, combined with higher fat and moderate protein intake.
Participants adhered well, spending 73 percent of the study in ketosis.
By the end of the 10–12 week program, most students also lost weight, averaging an 11-pound drop.
A limitation of the study, the team noted, is that the trial had no control group for comparison.
A stock image of an assortment of healthy ketogenic low carb food ingredients for cooking on a kitchen table. Green vegetables, meat, salmon, cheese, eggs.
A stock image of an assortment of healthy ketogenic low carb food ingredients for cooking on a kitchen table. Green vegetables, meat, salmon, cheese, eggs.
Aamulya/iStock / Getty Images Plus
A Diet That Supports Both Weight Loss and Mental Health
While the results of the study are promising, the keto diet isn’t for everyone. Some can find it too restrictive.
Kristy Thomas, a registered dietician and physician, with 10 years of experience in nutrition, told Newsweek: “A diet that is rich in well-balanced nutrients promotes the stabilization of blood sugar levels, supports the functionality of the brain, and enhances the mood.”
She recommends the Mediterranean diet instead—abundant in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats—which has been scientifically proven to alleviate depression and improve mental health.
Thomas said: “Though the keto diet can be helpful in particular situations, such as improving one’s metabolism, aiding in inflammation and even improving depression, as some studies show, it also can be heavily restrictive and long-term wearisome.
“Negative impacts from poorly managed keto diets can include nutrient deficiencies, digestive problems and even lethargy. A more balanced and less restrictive diet, I believe, would be more beneficial, especially for younger individuals, for their mental well-being.”
Volek agrees. He told Newsweek: “While a ketogenic diet is quite pleasurable for many people, it does require major changes in the foods people are accustomed to eating.
“If you are not ready yet to make that level of commitment, cutting out added sugars and processed carbohydrate sources (refined grains, sugary snacks) is a good start and may lead to improved mood.”
A stock image showing a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, salmon and olive oil.
A stock image showing a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, salmon and olive oil.
Chiociolla/iStock / Getty Images Plus
How Diet Affects Mental Health
The American College Health Association reports that 35.2 percent of U.S. students received psychological or mental health services in the last 12 months.
Past research has shown that the main factors influencing college students’ depression fall into four categories: biological, personality and psychological state, college experience, and lifestyle.
Thomas, who works for vitamin and supplement company Prowise Healthcare, explained how a poor diet can affect mental health.
She said: “Consuming a diet that is laden with processed foods, refined sugars and unhealthy fats can result in blood sugar spikes and crashes, lethargy, and mood swings.
“Over time, this can lead to the atrophy of the hippocampus, which is associated with memory and mood, disrupt the gut microbiome, and increase inflammation, all of which are associated with a greater likelihood of anxiety and depression.”
Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about depression? Let us know via health@newsweek.com.
References
Decker, D. D., Patel, R., Cheavens, J., Hayes, S. M., Whitted, W., Lee, A. J., Buga, A., Robinson, B. T., Crabtree, C. D., Kackley, M. L., Stoner, J. T., Sapper, T. N., Chebbi, A., & Volek, J. S. (2025). A pilot study examining a ketogenic diet as an adjunct therapy in college students with major depressive disorder. Translational Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03544-8
Liu, X.-Q., Guo, Y.-X., Zhang, W.-J., & Gao, W.-J. (2022). Influencing factors, prediction and prevention of depression in college students: A literature review. World Journal of Psychiatry, 12(7), 860–873. https://doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v12.i7.860
Radkhah, N., Rasouli, A., Majnouni, A., Eskandari, E., & Parastouei, K. (2023). The effect of Mediterranean diet instructions on depression, anxiety, stress, and anthropometric indices: A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Preventive Medicine Reports, 36, 102469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102469