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. 2024 Sep 27;24(1):2640.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-20084-w.

Associations between eating habits and mental health among adolescents in five nordic countries: a cross-sectional survey

Anne-Siri Fismen  1 , Leif Edvard Aarø  2   3 , Einar Thorsteinsson  4 , Kristiina Ojala  5 , Oddrun Samdal  3 , Arnfinn Helleve  2 , Charli Eriksson  6
Affiliations

Associations between eating habits and mental health among adolescents in five nordic countries: a cross-sectional survey

Anne-Siri Fismen et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: The role of eating habits in adolescent mental health has become a growing area of interest for researchers and health professionals. Recent studies suggest that healthy eating habits may play a role in the development and management of mental health. However, existing literature is largely based on clinical populations, and comparisons are challenged by sociocultural differences and methodological issues. The aim of the present study was to use nationally representative data based on standardized procedures, to explore associations between adolescents eating habits and mental health, considering the importance of age, gender, socioeconomic factors, and country.

Methods: The study was based on data from Nordic adolescents (age 11, 13 and 15 years) who participated in the 2017/2018 Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study (n = 22384). General linear modelling and multigroup regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between food habits (intake of fruit, vegetables, sweets, soft drinks), meal habits (intake of breakfast and having family meals together), and mental health (life satisfaction and subjective health complaints). The analyses were weighted and adjusted for age, gender, socio-economic status, and country.

Results: Overall, healthier eating habits were associated with better mental health. The strongest associations were found between meal habits (breakfast consumption and having family meals together) and mental health. Gender and country differences were seen, with weaker associations found among Danish boys.

Conclusion: Eating habits should be considered when promoting mental health in the adolescent population. While gender differences and cross-country variations exist, even minor enhancements in eating behaviors could yield meaningful benefits.

Keywords: Adolescents; Food habits; Meal habits; Mental health; Mental well-being.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a and b. Health complaints score and life satisfaction score by healthy eating (predicted values in deciles)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Health complaints by eating habits (NFULL MODEL = 22,384) adjusted for age and SES
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Life satisfaction by eating habits (NFULL MODEL = 22,384) adjusted for age and SES
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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