Sugary Drinks Linked to Increased Risk of Anxiety Disorders in Adolescents

Sugary drinks have long been recognised as a primary cause of various physical health problems, from obesity to type 2 diabetes. However, recent scientific evidence suggests their impact may not be limited to the body, but also extends to mental health, particularly among young people. A study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics found a significant association between the consumption of sugary drinks and an increased risk of anxiety disorders in adolescents. The research, reviewed by Healthline, reinforces the theory of a close link between diet and a person’s psychological condition. Researchers from Bournemouth University reported that adolescents who habitually consume high amounts of sugary drinks have an approximately 34 per cent greater risk of experiencing anxiety symptoms compared to those who rarely consume them. This finding was obtained through a systematic review and meta-analysis of nine different studies. Of the total studies analysed, seven found a significant positive association between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and increased anxiety symptoms in young people. However, the researchers provided an important caveat that these results indicate a correlation or association. This means the study is not yet absolute proof that sugary drinks are directly the sole cause of anxiety disorders. Chloe Casey, one of the study’s authors and a nutrition lecturer at Bournemouth University, stated that public health efforts have so far focused more on the physical impacts of an unhealthy diet. ‘Although at this stage we cannot yet ascertain the direct cause, this research has identified an unhealthy relationship between sugary drink consumption and anxiety disorders in young people,’ Casey said. She added that cases of anxiety disorders in adolescents have risen quite sharply in recent years. Therefore, identifying modifiable lifestyle habits is crucial to curbing this trend. Experts believe one possible cause relates to drastic fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Whitney Linsenmeyer, a nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explained that sugary drinks are classified as a source of ‘empty calories’. ‘Sugary drinks contain many calories but almost no nutritional value. The sugar in these drinks is absorbed by the body very quickly, causing blood sugar levels to spike and crash in a short time,’ Linsenmeyer explained. This extreme fluctuation is thought to contribute to emotional instability and other health problems. Dana Hunnes, a senior dietitian at UCLA Health, added that what we consume can affect important hormone levels. ‘Diet can influence hormones including serotonin and dopamine, which ultimately affect mental health,’ she said. The category of sugary drinks is not limited to fizzy drinks alone. Linsenmeyer noted that many other types of beverages contain high levels of added sugar. As a comparison, a 12-ounce can of fizzy drink contains about 39 grammes of added sugar, whilst an energy drink of the same size can contain up to 41 grammes. Wesley McWhorter, a nutritionist from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, stressed that high sugar consumption is often part of an overall less healthy lifestyle. Factors such as lack of sleep, poor diet quality, and high stress levels are interconnected in influencing the risk of anxiety. ‘A diet dominated by processed foods and high in sugar can worsen the body’s instability. Conversely, a balanced menu containing protein, fibre, and healthy fats can help maintain steady energy levels while supporting a better mood,’ McWhorter said. Experts suggest several practical steps for transitioning to healthier habits. Reducing the consumption of sugary drinks is not only a long-term investment for physical health, but also an important preventive measure to safeguard the mental resilience of future adolescents.