Regular Fast Food Consumption and Low Physical Activity Tied to Increased Anxiety and Depression Risks

A recent study published in the journal BMC Public Health has shed light on the relationship between takeaway food consumption, physical activity levels, and their impact on depression and anxiety among Chinese university students. The research highlights the critical role that diet and exercise play in maintaining mental health.

Moderate to high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress are common among university students worldwide. These symptoms can lead to suicidal behaviors and increase the risk of various physical health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal ulcers. Comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms (CDAS) in university students may also be influenced by factors like geographic location, relationships with colleagues or family income.

Typically, takeaway food refers to meals ordered from small independent outlets that are delivered hot. These options often cater to popular tastes but tend to be high in fat and sugar. University students, who might prioritize convenience over nutrition, are more likely to consume unhealthy takeaway food regularly.

The study involved 14,340 Chinese university students aged between 18 and 22 years old. More than a quarter of the participants reported symptoms of depression, with similar percentages for anxiety (34.6%) and CDAS (23.8%). The risk of developing CDAS was found to be higher in those who consumed takeaway food more frequently or engaged in light physical activity.

Males showed greater variations in their likelihood of experiencing CDAS when both takeaway food consumption and physical activity levels were considered. Females consuming the highest frequency of takeaway foods were twice as likely to experience CDAS compared to males, where this risk increased by 50%.

The study also found that moderate or vigorous physical activity coupled with frequent takeaway food intake was linked to an increased risk of developing CDAS. For instance, combining moderate activity and moderate takeaway consumption raised the risk by 60%, while daily takeaway use saw an even higher likelihood (80%).

Healthy eating habits have been previously shown to improve mental health in adolescence and vice versa—a healthy psychological state is associated with healthier food choices. Unhealthy foods rich in fats, sugars can lead to mood destabilization and cognitive decline due to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and abnormal neurotransmission.

To mitigate the risks of depression and anxiety among university students, it’s recommended that they engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity for over 30 minutes daily at least three to five days a week. This not only promotes neuroplasticity but also supports brain regions often dysregulated in depressed individuals. Light to moderate levels of physical activity combined with higher takeaway food consumption were associated with a greater risk of CDAS among male students than female students.