The effect of extra virgin olive oil on anthropometric indices, lipid profile, and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with depression, a double-blind randomised controlled trial.

Abstract

Epidemiological evidence suggests a mutual association between depression and obesity and also an anti-obesity effect for olive oil. We examined the effect of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on weight, waist circumference, and a number of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with depression. The randomised double-blind controlled trial was conducted on 62 patients with depression. Patients were randomly allocated to EVOO and sunflower oil groups (n=31 for each) that consumed 25mL/day of the corresponding oils for 52days. An isocaloric diet was prescribed to each patient according to his/her previous energy intake with considering the energy provided by the administered oils. Weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood lipids, malondialdehyde, and hs-C reactive protein (CRP) analysis were performed using the intention-to-treat approach. BMI was significantly decreased in sunflower oil group (-0.20±0.53kg/m2 , P=.047) and waist circumference was significantly decreased in EVOO group (-2.15±2.09cm, P<.001); however, only reduction of waist circumference was significantly different between groups (P<.001). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was significantly increased in EVOO group (3.02±6.79mg/dL, P=.03), without showing a significant between-group difference. Other lipids, malondialdehyde, and hs-CRP did not change. Overall, the results suggest that both EVOO and sunflower oil may benefit overweight patients with depression, as they respectively decreased waist circumference and BMI without need for administration of a low-calorie diet.