Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Creating more space for ultra-processed foods in our menu may put us at risk of suffering from disorders of mental health, especially depression.

This study examined whether consistent eating of ultra-processed foods is tied to the subsequent development of common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Researchers collated and analyzed data and evidence culled from 34 studies.

Researchers observed that mental health disorders, including depression, were prevalent among high consumers of ultra-processed foods. This study provided robust evidence that indulgence in ultra-processed foods may negatively affect the mental health of an individual.