Researchers have now made it official: fast food is linked to depression

We have all enjoyed eating those deep fried potato chips, flavoured wafers and meat burgers as well as those creamy cakes, doughnuts and pizzas. But you might now want to do a re-think when you reach for your ‘couch potato’ or ‘work cubicle’ fare. Fast food is linked to depression, says a study.

What it says

The findings revealed an eye-opening health warning. According to the recent study headed by scientists from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of Granada, the results showed that consumers of fast food, compared to those who eat little or none, are 51 per cent more likely to develop depression. That apart, a ‘dose-response’ relationship was observed. What this means is that ‘the more fast food you consume, the greater the risk of depression,’ explained Almudena Sanchez-Villegas, lead author of the study.

No love life?
Guess what? The study throws light on the personality of the person consuming such fast food and explained that those participants who eat the most fast food and commercial baked goods are more likely to be single, less active and have poor dietary habits, which include eating less fruit, nuts, fish, vegetables and olive oil. Smoking and working more than 45 hours per week are other prevalent characteristics of this group. Naturally this leaves little room for a healthy, attractive persona.

The study that has been published in the Public Health Nutrition journal, also states that when it came to the consumption of commercial baked goods, the results are equally conclusive. Says dietician Nisha Jadhav, Mumbai, “This is certainly true. Eating unhealthily can make you sad. Such fast foods contain trans fats and saturated fats could contribute to depression. Cutting down in high sugary foods and sugary drinks also in your work day can lead to lesser mood swings at work,” she adds.