Researchers have linked sugary drinks to anxiety in teenagers

A new study led by Dr. Karim Khaled, a former graduate student at Bournemouth University and a researcher at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, has established a link between the consumption of drinks with high sugar content and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. This was reported by Medical Xpress magazine on February 15.

"Due to growing concerns about adolescent nutrition, most public health initiatives focus on the physical consequences of poor eating habits, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the effect of diet on mental health has been studied much less, especially in relation to drinks with high energy value but low in nutrients," said Dr. Chloe Casey, lecturer in the Department of Nutrition and co—author of the study.

Anxiety disorders are one of the main causes of psychoemotional stress among young people. According to estimates for 2023, one in five children and adolescents suffered from mental disorders. At the same time, anxiety was one of the most common

During the study, researchers measured the consumption of sugary drinks and the mental health of adolescents through surveys. Drinks with a high sugar content include carbonated and energy drinks, sugary juices, syrups, sweetened teas and coffees, as well as flavored dairy products.

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The results showed a strong association between high consumption of sugary drinks and anxiety. According to the researchers, the data obtained cannot prove that consuming more sugary drinks directly causes anxiety.

It is also possible that anxiety symptoms lead some teenagers to increase their consumption of sugary drinks. Or there may be a link to other factors, such as family problems and sleep disorders, which can lead to both increased consumption and anxiety symptoms.

"Although we may not be able to confirm the direct cause at this stage, this study has revealed a harmful association between consumption of sugary drinks and anxiety disorders in young people. The number of cases of anxiety disorders in adolescents has increased dramatically in recent years, so it is important to identify lifestyle habits that can be changed to reduce the risk of continuing this trend," Casey concluded.

On January 7, Medical Xpress reported on the benefits of weekend sleep for teenagers. It was clarified that this contributes to the improvement of mental health. According to the researchers, a good night's sleep on weekends compensates for the lack of sleep on weekdays.

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