Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and fast foods deteriorates adolescents' mental health

Preference for fast foods and sugary beverages may increase the incidence of mental health disorders, such as stress, depression, and suicidal ideation, among adolescents.

This study evaluated the impact of fast foods and sugar-sweetened beverages on the mental health of adolescents. With the aid of validated food frequency questionnaires, researchers collated and analyzed the dietary choices of more than 24,000 high school students from Korea. The mental health of all the participants was regularly assessed during the course of the study. 

Researchers discovered that participants with high intake of sugary beverages and fast foods were prone to suffer from mental health disorders, such as stress, , depression, and suicidal ideation. This study recommended that cutting back on sugar-sweetened beverage and fast food consumption may have a beneficial effect on the mental health of adolescents.