Impact of dietary habit on the mental wellbeing of adolescents: a Bangladeshi perspective

Background: Adolescent mental health is a critical public health issue, significantly influenced by dietary habits. This study aims to explore the relationship between dietary patterns and mental well-being among adolescents in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 600 students from Grades 9 and 10 across multiple schools in Dhaka. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic information, dietary habits, and mental health assessed using the generalized anxiety disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale. Result: The majority of participants were aged 15 years (37.83%) and 16 years (28.33%), with 61.33% being female. BMI classification revealed that 28.83% were underweight, 54.67% had a normal BMI, and 16.50% were overweight or obese. Dietary analysis showed that 56.17% had a mixed diet, 48.33% consumed fruits weekly, and 59.83% consumed vegetables regularly. Significant correlations were found between dietary habits and anxiety levels, with positive correlations between fruit and vegetable intake (r=0.143, p<0.001) and negative correlations between skipping breakfast and fruit intake (r=-0.172, p<0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights the significant impact of dietary habits on the mental well-being of adolescents in Dhaka. Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with lower anxiety levels, while poor dietary practices, such as skipping breakfast and high fast-food intake, are linked to higher anxiety. These findings underscore the need for targeted nutritional education and mental health interventions to improve adolescent health outcomes.