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. 2020 Jul 11;12(7):2061.
doi: 10.3390/nu12072061.

Examining the Role of Anxiety and Depression in Dietary Choices among College Students

Michelle M Keck  1 , Helize Vivier  2 , Jeffrey E Cassisi  1 , Robert D Dvorak  1 , Michael E Dunn  1 , Sandra M Neer  1 , Emily J Ross  1
Affiliations

Examining the Role of Anxiety and Depression in Dietary Choices among College Students

Michelle M Keck et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

This study examines the role of anxiety and depression symptoms in predicting dietary choices in emerging adults while accounting for sex differences in these relationships. Participants were 225 English speaking undergraduates enrolled in a university in southeastern United States. Participants were recruited through an online research recruitment application utilized by the university. Participants volunteered for a two-phased anonymous survey monitoring the effects of eating habits and gastrointestinal health in young adults. As part of this effort, participants completed self-reporting measures related to anxiety and depression, as well as an automated, self-administered 24-h diet recall. Multigroup path analysis was used to test primary hypotheses. Overall, a decrease in total caloric intake and an increase in sugar consumption were found as self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression increased. In addition, there were sex differences in the relationship between depression and food choices. Men consumed more saturated fat as well as less fruits and vegetables as self-reported symptoms of depression increased. Results suggest symptoms of depression are a greater risk factor for poor nutrition in male college students than females. The findings provide another justification to screen for psychological distress in student health services given the implications on behavioral lifestyle and health.

Keywords: college students; dietary intake; eating behaviors; mental health; sex differences.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The relationship between depression and saturated fat consumption across sex. Note. Lower HEI saturated fat component score indicates higher consumption of saturated fat.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The relationship between depression and fruits consumption across sex. Note. Lower HEI fruits component score indicates lower consumption of fruits.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The relationship between depression and vegetable consumption across sex. Note. Lower HEI vegetable component score indicates lower consumption of vegetable.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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