Sugary drinks associated with anxiety disorders among teens, study shows

Health News

Sugary drinks associated with anxiety disorders among teens, study shows
AnxietyStudy SaysSugar
  • 📰 nypost
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 284 sec. here
  • 9 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 127%
  • Publisher: 67%

Today's Video Headlines: 03/13/26

In a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, U.K. researchers reviewed various studies from 2000 to 2025. They explored the link between drinking sugar-sweetened beverages — like sodas, energy drinks, sweetened juices, teas and coffee — and anxiety disorders in adolescents between 10 and 19 years old.

Teens with a higher consumption of sugary drinks were found to have about a 34% greater risk of having an anxiety disorder compared to those who drank less. Seven out of the nine studies analyzed by the researchers showed a significant positive association between sugary drinks intake and anxiety symptoms. “With increasing concern about adolescent nutrition, most public health initiatives have emphasized the physical consequences of poor dietary habits, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes,” study co-author Dr. Chloe Casey, lecturer in nutrition at Bournemouth University in the U.K., commented in a press release statement. “However, the mental health implications of diet have been under-explored by comparison, particularly for drinks that are energy-dense but low in nutrients.” The study was based on observational data, which does not prove that drinking sugary beverages directly causes anxiety.“While we may not be able to confirm at this stage what the direct cause is, this study has identified an unhealthy connection between consumption of sugary drinks and anxiety disorders in young people,” Casey said.A study published by the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics shows that drinking sugary drinks leads to a higher chance of anxiety amongst teenagers.“Anxiety disorders in adolescence have risen sharply in recent years, so it is important to identify lifestyle habits that can be changed to reduce the risk of this trend continuing.” About 11% of American children between the ages of 3 and 17 were diagnosed with anxiety between 2022 and 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Anxiety problems, behavior disorders and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children,” states the agency’s website. “While it’s important to note that this study is correlation, not causation, I have no doubt that a better-designed study would show the same results,” Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein told Fox News Digital. “Soda, aka liquid sugar — with no fiber, protein or fat to slow absorption — floods the bloodstream faster than almost any other type of food or drink,” said Muhlstein, who was not involved in the study.The link between sugary drinks and adolescents between 10 and 19 years old revealed that those consuming those beverages had a 34% greater chance of being diagnosed with anxiety.“The pancreas scrambles to respond, insulin spikes, blood sugar crashes and you are left in a dopamine deficit state that looks and feels just like anxiety,” she went on. “The sharper the spike, the deeper the crash.” In her own practice, Muhlstein has found that teens are consuming less soda and more oat milk lattes, coffee drinks “loaded” with syrup, slushies and sports drinks. Excessive blood sugar spikes can also affect weight, acne, sleep quality and emotional regulation, she shared, regardless of caffeine levels. “What these kids drink makes a huge difference to their physical and emotional state, and caffeine on top of unstable blood sugar only makes it worse,” Muhlstein warned. Serena Poon, certified nutritionist, longevity expert and founder of Wholistic Lifestyle Medicine in Los Angeles, noted that food and beverages “are more than just fuel.”Dr. Chole Casey said in a press release, “With increasing concern about adolescent nutrition, most public health initiatives have emphasized the physical consequences of poor dietary habits, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.”“What teens drink regularly can influence energy levels, mood stability and even how the nervous system responds to stress.” “Highly sweetened drinks can create quick energy highs followed by crashes, and when caffeine is added to the mix, it can amplify stress responses in the body.” Poon advised parents to encourage their kids to reduce the frequency of sugary beverages and to stay hydrated with water, herbal teas or sparkling water to support more stable energy levels. Meals should also be balanced with fiber, healthy fats and proteins to stabilize blood sugar, which can impact mood and concentration. “Adolescence is a critical window for brain development, so supporting teens with balanced nutrition, stable energy levels and adequate hydration may help support both physical and emotional well-being,” Poon added.The best creatine powders for muscle and mind — personal trainers and dietitians weigh inThe real benefits of Cindy Crawford’s morning wellness routine — that fans say they’re ‘too poor for’State Farm flew a drone over my roof — now I'm stuck with a $20K bill US obliterates ‘every MILITARY target’ on Iran’s oil-critical Kharg Island in historic bombing raid, Trump says Kyrsten Sinema admits she had sex with her married bodyguard in at least 5 cities as she tries to dodge 'homewrecker' suit: court papersSebastian Bach breaks silence on Christina Applegate and Brad Pitt love triangleA study published by the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics shows that drinking sugary drinks leads to a higher chance of anxiety amongst teenagers.The link between sugary drinks and adolescents between 10 and 19 years old revealed that those consuming those beverages had a 34% greater chance of being diagnosed with anxiety.Dr. Chole Casey said in a press release,"With increasing concern about adolescent nutrition, most public health initiatives have emphasized the physical consequences of poor dietary habits, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes." Stream It Or Skip It: 'Scarpetta' On Prime Video, Where Nicole Kidman Is A Medical Examiner Who Is Haunted By Serial Killings She Thought She Solved Two Decades Ago

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

nypost /  🏆 91. in US

Anxiety Study Says Sugar

 

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Gavin Newsom ripped by Trump as unfit for White House due to 'mental problems'Gavin Newsom ripped by Trump as unfit for White House due to 'mental problems'Today's Video Headlines: 03/11/2026
Read more »

Fallen star: Danish chef behind New Nordic movement had rapid rise to fame before resignationFallen star: Danish chef behind New Nordic movement had rapid rise to fame before resignationToday's Video Headlines: 03/11/2026
Read more »

They're 'running the show now' —emotional video as Michelin star chef quits, here's what he saidThey're 'running the show now' —emotional video as Michelin star chef quits, here's what he saidToday's Video Headlines: 03/11/2026
Read more »

Trump demands NY AG James turn over all communications with Michael Cohen after the ex-fixer claimed he was ‘coerced’Trump demands NY AG James turn over all communications with Michael Cohen after the ex-fixer claimed he was ‘coerced’Today's Video Headlines: 03/11/2026
Read more »

Chilling last words Haitian president Jovenel Moïse said to wife moments before mercenaries assassinated him in their home: 'Honey, we are dead'Chilling last words Haitian president Jovenel Moïse said to wife moments before mercenaries assassinated him in their home: 'Honey, we are dead'Today's Video Headlines: 03/11/2026
Read more »

Connecticut officer suffering 'mild anxiety attack' took ambulance meant for dying man shot by policeConnecticut officer suffering 'mild anxiety attack' took ambulance meant for dying man shot by policeToday's Video Headlines: 03/11/2026
Read more »



Render Time: 2026-04-01 03:23:20