Donate Deakin

Matt Agnew & The Power of Male (Role) Models for Men’s Mental Health

Written by Megan Pilon, Dean Saunders & Megan Turner *Trigger Warning: the content of this post involves discussion of suicide, and may be emotionally challenging for some people*  In 2019, Matt Agnew was the star of Network 10’s The Bachelor. In 2021, Matt attempted to take his own life....

Coke, or Diet Coke?

There has been an enormous increase in the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) over the last two decades correlating with increased awareness of the harms of sugar on a range of chronic health conditions. The consumption of ultra-processed foods has also been increasing and as a result, exposure to...

Results from our world-first faecal microbial transplant (FMT) study

Food & Mood researchers have published a new study investigating how FMT may be used in the real world for people experiencing depression. Prior research has shown that people experiencing major depressive disorder have a different gut microbiota compared to people without depression. Some studies have also shown that...

Stress can cause heart attacks. Could tackling workplace bullying save lives?

The sad passing of Kimberley Kitching and Shane Warne (both 52) from suspected cardiac conditions has put a spotlight on the causes of heart disease. In recent days, attention has turned to the issue of psychological stress in the context of allegations of workplace bullying as a potential contributor...

‘Doing your own research’ – what you need to know

At the Food & Mood Centre, we are often contacted by the general public asking us questions about a new therapy (device, product, supplement, program, ‘super food’) they have heard about in the news or online. Or perhaps one that they perceive has helped them manage their mental health...

Looking through the lens at how food can improve our mood

Diet is now a recognised modifiable factor in the prevention and treatment of mental illness. In fact, the recently updated Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders included addressing lifestyle factors, including supporting a healthy diet, as a foundation for the treatment of...

Is a sustainable diet sustainable for your wallet?

We’re told to reduce, reuse, recycle when it comes to sustainability, yet despite our food systems being one of the leading causes of environmental damage, how often is our diet in the conversation when it comes to taking care of the planet? Through deforestation, carbon and methane emissions, food...

What is ultra-processed food and how does it affect our health?

Close to half of the calories eaten by Australians each day come from ultra-processed foods. Research from our team at the Food & Mood Centre has linked these foods to poor health and early death. But what are ultra-processed foods and why should we pay more attention to them...

Biting off more than you can chew: Do we eat more when consuming low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets?

If you’ve been on social media recently, you’ve probably seen competing support for low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diets versus plant-based diets. Supporters argue that the benefits of “their” diet  include helping to maintain your weight while the other leads to increased hunger, overconsumption of calories, and ultimately, excess body weight. But...