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- Sapien Labs, Consumption of ultra-processed food and mental wellbeing outcomes, October 2023.
Higher self-reported frequency of UPF consumption linked with poorer mental health and wellbeing
Ultra-Processed Food Causes Weight Gain – Firm Evidence At Last
02 Oct 2023 - Sapien Labs
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There has been increasing attention on ultra-processed food (UPF) as the cause various of diseases, particularly in countries such as the United States and United Kingdom, where the majority of calories consumed today come from UPF.
While much of the focus has been on obesity, diabetes, and more recently, heart disease, the mind too is not exempt from its effects. Studies showing a link between UPF consumption and depression are growing. This includes a recent study that demonstrates an improvement of depression symptoms, even with just three weeks of diet change in those who regularly consume a diet of UPF placing UPF consumption as a core cause.
But just how far reaching are the effects of UPF on mental health? Here we look at the self-reported frequency of UPF consumption and its relationship to the full breadth of mental health symptoms, and aggregate mental wellbeing, in a global sample of almost 300,000 people.
Key Findings:
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This study uses global data from 292,786 respondents aged 18 to 75+ obtained between January and August 2023 through the Global Mind Project. It acquires data using the MHQ assessment that spans 47 elements covering a wide range of symptoms and mental capabilities and provides aggregate scores of mental wellbeing and its dimensions. This report examines the relationship between people’s consumption of UPF and their mental wellbeing.