Study Confirms Fast Food and Depression Link

Research has confirmed that the consumption of commercially baked goods such as croissants, donuts and fairy cakes, as well as fast food such as pizza, hotdogs and hamburgers is associated with depression.

The study results show that people who consume fast food on a regular basis have a 51 percent more chance of depression, in comparison to individuals that consume very little or none.

The study also revealed a dose-response relationship was also observed, which means that the more fast food consumed, the higher the chance of depression.

The research shows that people who consume the most commercial baked goods and fast food are more likely to be single, less active and also have bad dietary habits, such as consuming a lesser amount of vegetables, fruit, nuts, fish and olive oil. Cigarette smoking and working in excess of 45 hours weekly are also typical characteristics in this group of people.

Regarding the eating of commercial baked goods, the study results are just as conclusive. Even consuming modest amounts is associated with a considerably greater risk of depression.

The study sample was made up of 8,964 people who had never had depression or had ever taken antidepressants. These people were evaluated for an average of 6 months, after which 493 developed depression or started taking antidepressants.

The data from this study supports results from a 2011 study, which documented 657 new instances of depression from the 12,059 people evaluated over more than 6 months. In the 2011 study, a 42 percent increase in the risk of depression linked to fast food was determined.

Not a lot is known about diet and depression, but studies have suggested that certain nutrients do play a role in the prevention of depression. These nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, group B vitamins and olive oil. A healthy diet such as a Mediterranean style diet has also been associated with a lower risk of depression.

Reference for: Study Confirms Fast Food and Depression Link
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