Researchers Link Sweetened Drinks to Rising Anxiety Symptoms in Adolescents

A new research review has identified a clear association between high consumption of sugary drinks and anxiety symptoms in teenagers.

Researchers working with Bournemouth University analyzed findings from multiple previous studies investigating the relationship between diet and mental health. By combining data across different groups of young people, the team looked for patterns that appeared consistently across studies.

The review was published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.

Mental Health Often Overlooked in Nutrition Research

Dr. Chloe Casey, lecturer in nutrition and co-author of the study, said that public health discussions surrounding adolescent nutrition have traditionally focused on physical health outcomes such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

By comparison, the possible effects of diet on mental health have received far less attention, particularly regarding beverages that are high in calories but low in nutritional value.

Anxiety disorders remain among the most common mental health conditions affecting young people. Estimates published in 2023 suggested that around one in five children and adolescents were living with a mental health disorder, with anxiety among the most frequently reported problems.

Survey Data Linked Sugary Drinks to Anxiety Symptoms

Most studies included in the review relied on survey data to measure both sugary drink consumption and mental health symptoms.

Sugary beverages included carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, sweetened juices and concentrates, sweetened teas and coffees, and flavored milk drinks.

Across the studies analyzed, researchers observed a consistent pattern: higher intake of sugary drinks was associated with increased reporting of anxiety symptoms among adolescents.

Association Does Not Prove Cause

Researchers emphasized that the findings do not prove sugary drinks directly cause anxiety.

Because the review was based on previously published observational studies, it cannot establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

One possibility is that teenagers already experiencing anxiety may be more likely to consume sugary beverages. Other factors — including family environment, sleep quality, stress levels, or broader lifestyle habits — may also influence both sugar intake and anxiety symptoms simultaneously.

Even so, Dr. Casey stated that the findings suggest an unhealthy relationship between sugary drink consumption and anxiety among young people.

She added that, as anxiety rates among adolescents continue to rise, identifying modifiable lifestyle habits may help reduce future mental health risks.

Researchers Call for More Attention to Dietary Habits

The review was led by Dr. Karim Khaled, a former Bournemouth University PhD student who currently works at Lebanese American University in Beirut.

Researchers say the findings highlight the need for further studies examining how dietary patterns may influence adolescent mental health over time.