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The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods on Mental Health at All Ages
The harmful effects of ultra-processed foods extend far beyond physical health, deeply affecting our mental well-being. As research keeps uncovering their role in increasing depression and other health risks, it’s clear we must address their widespread consumption.

I am very excited to see more attention in the research literature and mass media addressing ultra-processed food and its dangers. Several years back, the emerging research focused on how drinking soda shortened life spans. Now, our challenge is in working not just with our clients—adults and children—but also influencing the public health space to treat sugar and processed foods the same way we do with cigarettes (and, more recently, alcohol).
Nowadays, we see food companies jumping on the whole foods bandwagon, anticipating the future, and trying to get into it now. It always happens this way. Oil companies are going green, car companies are adding electricity, and oncology units are applying integrative methods. At the same time, I understand that money drives decisions, not health or nutrition. It occurs only when consumers complain and reject dangerous commodities and demand change. Each of us has a role to play.
The papers below provide insight and grist for your work with clients, talks, and blog writing. In the first two studies, the consumption of junk foods is associated with an increased risk of developing depression. The last study looks at university students' consumption of junk food and its impact on mental health.
Tags: Depression, mental health, ultra-processed food, junk food, nutrition
Interested in Learning More?
- Course(s): Diabetes Type 2, Cognitive Decline, and Alzheimer’s
- Course(s): Food as Medicine
- Book(s): Nutrition Essentials For Mental Health
- Book(s): The Good Mood Kitchen
- Book(s): Eat Right, Feel Right
Research Glossary
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Referenced Research Publications
BMC Psychiatry
2024, June 12
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-05889-8
Association between junk food consumption and mental health problems in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Anxiety and depression can seriously undermine mental health and quality of life globally. The consumption of junk foods, including ultra-processed foods, fast foods, unhealthy snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages, has been linked to mental health. The aim of this study is to use the published literature to evaluate how junk food consumption may be associated with mental health disorders in adults.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted up to July 2023 across international databases including PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and EMBASE. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using the I2 statistic and chi-square-based Q-test. A random/fixed effect meta-analysis was conducted to pool odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs).
Results: Of the 1745 retrieved articles, 17 studies with 159,885 participants were suitable for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis (seven longitudinal, nine cross-sectional and one case-control studies). Quantitative synthesis based on cross-sectional studies showed that junk food consumption increases the odds of having stress and depression (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.23). Moreover, pooling results of cohort studies showed that junk food consumption is associated with a 16% increment in the odds of developing mental health problems (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.24).
Conclusion: Meta-analysis revealed that consumption of junk foods was associated with an increased hazard of developing depression. Increased consumption of junk food has heightened the odds of depression and psychological stress being experienced in adult populations.
Reference
Ejtahed, H. S., Mardi, P., Hejrani, B., Mahdavi, F. S., Ghoreshi, B., Gohari, K., Heidari-Beni, M., & Qorbani, M. (2024). Association between junk food consumption and mental health problems in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC psychiatry, 24(1), 438. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-05889-8
Nutrition and health
2024, December 30
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060231151480
Association between university student junk food consumption and mental health
Abstract
Background: On a global scale, the mental health consequences of eating habits among the general population are becoming a concern. Particular attention should be directed to the youthful population. Aims: Determine the relationship between university students' consumption of junk food and their levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Method: University students were asked to complete: a demographic questionnaire, questions on junk food consumption, and depression anxiety stress scores (DASS-21). Body mass index measurements were taken. Logistic regressions were utilized to construct odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals to identify the association between university students' consumption of junk food and their levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Results: There were (N = 509), 66% females and 34% males, mean age was (M = 18.1 ± .5) years participated in this study. Daily consumption of junk food was significantly linked to stress (odds ratio [OR], 4.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-8.3), anxiety (OR, 11.1; 95% CI, 6.2-20.1), and depression (OR, 7.9; 95% CI, 4.5-13.9). Conclusions: This is the first thorough study conducted in Egypt to examine the relationship between stress, anxiety, and depression, and junk food consumption among undergraduates at a private Egyptian university. Many college students struggle emotionally, and those who are emotionally troubled are more likely to participate in eating unhealthy food. Our research will be used to inform regional policies on adolescent nutrition and to create preventative strategies.
Reference
ElBarazi, A., & Tikamdas, R. (2024). Association between university student junk food consumption and mental health. Nutrition and health, 30(4), 861–867. https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060231151480
JAMA network open
2023, September 20
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.34770
Consumption of Ultraprocessed Food and Risk of Depression
Abstract
This cohort study examines the consumption of ultraprocessed food and risk of depression among 31 172 US females aged 42 to 62 years.
Reference
Samuthpongtorn, C., Nguyen, L. H., Okereke, O. I., Wang, D. D., Song, M., Chan, A. T., & Mehta, R. S. (2023). Consumption of Ultraprocessed Food and Risk of Depression. JAMA network open, 6(9), e2334770. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.34770
International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science.
2024, June 11
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11582661
A Comprehensive Study on Impact of Junk Food on Mental Health of Youth
Abstract
The consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to a rise in chronic diseases such as hypertension, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder. These foods are designed to be tasty and addictive, leading to increased cravings and consumption. The data collected are from a secondary source which are collected from various journals and published papers. Despite their detrimental effects on health and mental aspects, processed foods have become synonymous with celebration in our culture, contributing to the proliferation of unhealthy eating habits. This research aims to explore the impact of junk and processed foods on the mental health of young individuals, highlighting the role of processed ingredients in causing inflammation in the body and brain, which may contribute to mood disorders, including anxiety and depression.
Reference
Salins, M. (2024). A comprehensive study on impact of junk food on mental health of youth. International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science, 6(6), 1508-1513. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11582661