If you enjoy drinking sugary beverages such as soft drinks, this habit may put you at risk of a common mental disorder. A study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics found a link between high consumption of sugar sweetened beverages and symptoms of anxiety among young people.
The research analyzed data from various studies examining the relationship between sugary drink consumption and the mental health of youth. It stated that anxiety disorder is the most common mental health condition among young people.
The study explored how sugary beverages affect mental health and identified an association between high intake of these drinks and anxiety.
Researchers said that consumption of sugary beverages is increasing among youth in the present era, raising the risk of diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, they noted that limited work has been done to understand the impact of these drinks on mental health.
They acknowledged that the findings cannot be considered conclusive as the analysis relied on data from existing research reports.
They added that it is also possible that anxiety symptoms may lead young people to consume more sugary drinks, or that another common factor could be responsible for the link.
However, they said that although the results cannot yet be fully confirmed, an association between sugary beverage consumption and anxiety is clearly visible.
According to researchers, anxiety disorder is rapidly becoming more common among youth, making it essential to identify lifestyle habits that increase its risk. Anxiety primarily refers to intense nervousness, worry, distress, and fear.
Mild nervousness or fear is not harmful, but when these feelings become severe and frequent, efforts should be made to prevent and manage them. If anxiety is not addressed, it can severely affect quality of life.
