Story perspectives

Irregular Meals Boost Depression Risk 1.5-Fold, Diversity Helps

5/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers Hyejin Tae and Jeong-Ho Chae reported that skipping breakfast and highly irregular meal times raise the odds of depressive symptoms.
Participants with the most irregular eating schedules had 1.55 times higher odds of depression symptoms than those with regular schedules.
A high dietary-diversity score weakened the link between irregular meals and depression, while low diversity amplified it.
The cross-sectional, self-reported study cannot establish causality and calls for longitudinal trials.

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Story summary

Researchers Hyejin Tae and Jeong-Ho Chae reported that skipping breakfast and highly irregular meal times raise the odds of depressive symptoms.
Participants with the most irregular eating schedules had 1.55 times higher odds of depression symptoms than those with regular schedules.
A high dietary-diversity score weakened the link between irregular meals and depression, while low diversity amplified it.
The cross-sectional, self-reported study cannot establish causality and calls for longitudinal trials.