A new study suggests that drinking large amounts of sugary beverages may be linked to anxiety symptoms in adolescents.
Researchers from Bournemouth University joined an international team that reviewed multiple studies on diet and mental health to look for consistent patterns.
Their findings were published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
Public health campaigns have long focused on the physical dangers of poor diets, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
However, the possible effects of food and drink on mental health—especially among young people—have received less attention. The research team wanted to explore whether certain dietary habits might be connected to emotional well-being.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health problems affecting adolescents.
In 2023, estimates suggested that about one in five children and young people had a mental health condition, with anxiety among the most frequently reported.
Understanding factors that may influence anxiety has become increasingly important for families, schools, and healthcare providers.
The researchers examined studies that used surveys to measure both sugary drink consumption and mental health symptoms in young people.
The beverages included soft drinks, energy drinks, sweetened fruit juices, sugary teas and coffees, flavored milk drinks, and other high-sugar options. Across many studies, a consistent pattern emerged: teenagers who consumed more sugary drinks tended to report higher levels of anxiety symptoms.
However, the researchers caution that the findings do not prove that sugary drinks directly cause anxiety. It is possible that anxious teens may turn to sweet beverages for comfort or energy.
Other factors, such as poor sleep, stress at home, or lifestyle habits, could also contribute to both higher sugar intake and anxiety. Because the studies relied on surveys rather than controlled experiments, the exact relationship remains unclear.
Even so, the results highlight a concerning connection between diet and mental health. Experts say that as anxiety among young people continues to rise, identifying everyday habits that might influence emotional well-being is essential. Unlike some risk factors, diet is something families and individuals can potentially change.
Researchers hope the findings will encourage further studies to better understand how nutrition affects mental health. They also suggest that reducing sugary drink consumption could be one small step toward improving overall health in adolescents.
The study was led by Dr. Karim Khaled, formerly a doctoral student at Bournemouth University and now based at the Lebanese American University in Beirut. While more research is needed, the message is clear: what young people drink may matter not only for their bodies, but also for their minds.
