Fast Foods, and Processed Foods May Worsen Perceived Stress and Mental Health

The connection between dietary factors and mental health has been addressed in the literature. However, the association between dietary factors and perceived stress combined with mental distress is still in need of further research. In particular, fast food and processed food are typically devoid of high-quality nutrients and tend to be energy-dense containing high levels of simple sugars, saturated fats, and trans fats. These dietary factors promote inflammation, alter brain chemicals, and initiate a stress response. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of fast food and processed food consumption on perceived stress and mental distress. It was hypothesized that high amounts of fast foods will have a positive correlation with symptoms of mental distress and perceived stress. An anonymous survey was administered through social media platforms targeting adults 18 years or older. The survey consisted of validated scales: the Food Mood Questionnaire, Kessler-6 and Perceived Stress Scale, A total of 1591 individuals completed the survey. Data was analyzed using Spearman's Rho correlation and Principal Component Analysis in IBM SPSS Version 25.0. The results reveal that there is a positive correlation between consumption of high amounts of fast food and processed foods and feelings of anxiety (p <0.01), nervousness (p <0.01), restlessness (p <0.01), lack of motivation (p <0.01), and depressive symptoms (p <0.01). Our results suggest that a diet high in fast food and processed foods is positively correlated with higher perceived stress and mental distress levels; hence, a decreased mental health status.