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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM63099
Volume:
10 |
5 |
May 2026
Pages:
1-8
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Computer science
PVG College pune
Computer science
PVG College pune
Computer science
PVG College pune
Computer science
PVG College pune
Mental-health problems such as depression, anxiety, irritability, emotional instability, and chronic stress are increasing worldwide. While genetic, social, and environmental factors contribute to these conditions, recent research highlights the crucial yet often overlooked role of diet, particularly the consumption of junk food. Junk food—defined as ultra-processed, high-sugar, high-fat, low-nutrient foods—is consumed globally across all age groups. Although widely known for its physical consequences, its emotional and psychological effects remain less understood. This study synthesizes findings from 22 peer-reviewed research papers published between 2014 and 2025 to explore how junk food affects mood and emotional well-being. Results consistently show that high junk-food intake is strongly associated with depression, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, sleep disturbances, cognitive deficits, and increased psychological distress. Biological evidence demonstrates that junk food disrupts neurotransmitters, increases inflammation, destabilizes blood sugar, harms gut microbiota, and causes nutrient deficiencies—all of which impair emotional regulation. Psychological studies further reveal that emotional eating, impulsivity, addictive cravings, and poor sleep intensify mood problems. The study concludes that junk food is a significant modifiable risk factor for poor mental health across the lifespan. Enhancing dietary quality may serve as an effective, accessible, and low-cost strategy to improve mood, reduce emotional distress, and strengthen mental resilience. Implications for individuals, families, schools, healthcare systems, and policymakers are discussed.
KEYWORDS
Junk-food consumption is a significant predictor of poor emotional health. Across 22 reviewed studies, strong associations were found between junk-food intake and depression, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, sleep disturbances, and psychological distress. Improving diet quality—reducing sugary drinks, fast food, and ultra-processed foods—can significantly boost emotional resilience. Nutrition should be integrated into mental-health interventions and public-health strategies.
1. Ejtahed, H.-S., et al. (2024). Association between junk food consumption and mental health problems in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry. https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-024-05889-8 2. Malmir, H., et al. (2023). Junk food consumption and psychological distress in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35816403/ 3. Lane, M. M., et al. (2023). High ultra-processed food consumption and elevated psychological distress: Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. Journal of Affective Disorders. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032723006092 4. Tang, W. K., et al. (2024). Association of fast-food intake with depressive and anxiety symptoms among college students. Nutrients (MDPI). https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/19/3317 5. Ra, J. S., et al. (2022). Sugar-sweetened beverages and fast-food consumption linked with mental health problems in adolescents. Frontiers in Nutrition. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1058190/full 6. Columbia University Medical Center. (2015). Junk food and depression risk in postmenopausal women. Columbia University News. https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/junk-food-may-increase-depression-risk 7. Zahedi, H., et al. (2014). Association between junk food intake and mental health in Iranian children and adolescents. Nutrition (Elsevier). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900714002068 8. Ekinci, G. N., et al. (2023). Refined carbohydrates, processed diets, and mood disorders: A review. Journal of Nutritional Science. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531556522003813 9. Wang, L., et al. (2025). Dietary pattern, ultra-processed food intake, and psychological distress. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Journal. https://journals.lww.com/10.1097/EBP.0000000000002448 10. Nutrients (MDPI). (2025). Diet quality, fast-food consumption, and mental health in adults: Cross-sectional evidence. Nutrients. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/15/2519
Publication Date
5/12/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this research work.
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No funding information available for this research.
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