It is not that there is a shortage of reasons for the fragile mental state of teenagers, but now a new study has found intriguing data: Sugary drinks such as soft drinks, energy drinks and sweetened juices may be linked to an increased risk of anxiety among teenagers. The researchers found that teenagers who regularly consume such drinks are at about one-third higher risk of developing anxiety symptoms compared to their peers who drink them sparingly.
The study was published in the scientific journal Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and was conducted by researchers from Bournemouth University in the UK. As part of the review, the researchers examined studies published between the years 2000 and 2025 that dealt with the connection between consumption of sugary drinks and mental health among young people aged 10 to 19.
After reviewing more than 120 thousand results from searches in scientific databases, the researchers identified nine relevant studies that together included thousands of teenagers. Two of the studies even followed participants for about a year.
The analysis showed that high consumption of sugary drinks was consistently associated with higher reporting of anxiety symptoms. In summarizing the data, the researchers found that the risk of anxiety disorders was higher by about 34% among teenagers who frequently consumed sugary drinks.
However, the researchers emphasize that this is only a statistical association and not proof that the drinks themselves cause anxiety. To determine a causal relationship, controlled studies in humans are required.
In recent years, public health campaigns have focused mainly on the physical effects of sugar consumption, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. In contrast, the possible effects on mental health have received less attention.
The topic is gaining particular importance against the background of the increase in anxiety disorders among young people. According to data from the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders are now among the most common mental health problems among teenagers, affecting about one in seven adolescents worldwide.
Experts note that sugary drinks may also have a physiological effect that could influence mood. High sugar consumption may cause a sharp rise in blood sugar and insulin levels, followed by a sharp drop. Such fluctuations may affect systems in the brain related to mood and feelings of stress.
According to the researchers, identifying modifiable habits such as consumption of sugary drinks may be one of the steps that will help better understand the increase in anxiety rates among teenagers. However, they emphasize that further studies are needed to understand the full connection between nutrition and mental health in adolescence.