Last Updated on April 4, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke
Depression is a widespread mental health condition affecting an estimated 5% of the world’s adult population, with profound impacts on quality of life. Recent studies continue to shed light on modifiable lifestyle factors that could influence depression risk, including diet, exercise, and medication. Accumulating evidence suggests that specific dietary habits, physical activity levels, and the type of medication taken for chronic conditions may all play a role in mitigating the likelihood of developing depression.
Diabetes Medications and Their Link to Depression Risk
Chronic health conditions, including diabetes, have been closely linked to an increased risk of depression. Individuals with diabetes are reported to be twice as likely to experience depression compared to those without the condition. In a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in February 2025, researchers examined how different diabetes medications impact depression risk.
The study compared glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 drugs), such as Ozempic, with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i), like Januvia. Findings revealed that participants using GLP-1 drugs had a 10% lower risk of developing depression than those taking DPP4i medications.
Dr. Andres Splenser, an endocrinologist at Memorial Hermann who was not involved in the study, suggested that this connection could be influenced by the relationship between mood and appetite. “Mood and appetite are closely related. Many people turn to food for comfort during stress or sadness,” he explained. GLP-1 drugs assist in regulating appetite and satiety, which may lead to healthier food choices, improved weight management, and better overall health—factors that could contribute to a reduction in depression symptoms.
According to Splenser, improved blood sugar levels and fewer diabetes-related symptoms may further explain why individuals on GLP-1 drugs exhibit a lower risk of depression.
The Role of Diet in Mental Health: How Oranges May Help
Diet is another critical factor in mental health, with mounting evidence supporting the role of specific foods in reducing depression risk. A study published in Microbiome in November 2024 examined the impact of citrus fruit consumption, specifically oranges, on depression.
The study, which analyzed data from over 32,000 women participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II, found that eating just one medium orange per day was associated with a 20% reduction in depression risk.
Lead researcher Dr. Raaj Mehta of Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital explained that the protective effect of oranges may stem from their influence on gut microbiome composition. Researchers identified an increase in 15 beneficial bacterial species, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, in individuals who regularly consumed citrus fruits. Low levels of this bacterium have been linked to depression, suggesting that an increase in its presence may help guard against mental health disorders.
Interestingly, this effect was unique to citrus fruits. The study found no similar link between depression risk and consumption of other fruits such as apples or bananas, nor with overall fruit and vegetable intake. This finding highlights the potential role of specific nutrients found in citrus fruits in promoting mental well-being.
Exercise and Brain Health: Reducing Depression and Neurological Disorders
In addition to diet and medication, physical activity remains a crucial factor in protecting against depression and other neuropsychiatric conditions. A new study set to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting in April 2025 examined the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous exercise and mental health.
The study analyzed medical records from over 73,000 older adults and found that individuals who engaged in regular moderate-to-vigorous exercise had a 14%–40% lower risk of developing depression, dementia, anxiety, stroke, and sleep disorders compared to those with sedentary lifestyles.
Dr. Jia-Yi Wu, a researcher from Huashan Hospital Fudan University in Shanghai and a co-lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes to reduce sedentary behavior. “Unlike genetic predispositions, sedentary behavior is a modifiable risk factor. Our findings underscore the urgent need for behavioral and environmental changes to promote more active lifestyles,” Wu stated.
She further suggested that both increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time are essential. For office workers, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses, decreasing sedentary behavior may be a more feasible and safer approach than engaging in vigorous physical activity.
Dr. David Merrill, a geriatric psychiatrist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, echoed these sentiments. He pointed out that “even moderate levels of physical activity are linked to a lower risk of multiple neuropsychiatric conditions, from dementia to depression. This highlights how powerful movement is in protecting brain health.”
The Takeaway: Small Changes Can Have a Big Impact
The growing body of research underscores the importance of lifestyle choices in mental health. The type of diabetes medication used, the inclusion of citrus fruits like oranges in the diet, and engaging in regular exercise can all contribute to lowering the risk of depression.
While depression is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, making small but meaningful changes—such as choosing the right medication, incorporating specific foods into daily meals, and maintaining an active lifestyle—can significantly enhance mental well-being. As more research emerges, it is becoming increasingly evident that proactive lifestyle choices can play a critical role in preventing and managing depression.
