Association of Dietary Behaviour and Depression among High School Students: A Literature Review

Abstract: The complex link between what teens eat and their mental health, especially depression, in high school students has gained more research focus lately. The teenage years are important for growth and come with many physical, emotional, and social shifts, making it a key time for forming habits related to health. This age group often deals with various pressures that can worsen mental health, resulting in more signs of depression. At the same time, food choices made during this critical time can have a significant impact on health, mood, and brain function. Studies show that healthy diets are linked to fewer cases of depression, while diets heavy in processed foods can lead to more mental health problems. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how student eating habits relate to signs of depression, as this knowledge is important not just for tackling personal mental health issues but also for encouraging healthier habits that can help enhance overall well-being during these key years. This article is a narrative review that aims to summarize the available literature on the complicated link between what high school students eat and their feelings of depression. The association between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms among high school students underscores the significance of promoting healthy eating behaviors as a means to address mental health issues. The findings reveal a significant inverse correlation between the frequency of students participating in muscle-strengthening exercises and the manifestation of depressive symptoms, thereby emphasizing the intricate relationship between nutrition and physical activity in the mental health of adolescents. Keywords: depression, dietary behaviour, high school. Title: Association of Dietary Behaviour and Depression among High School Students: A Literature Review Author: Fountoulaki Styliani-Theodora, Kostoula Alexandra, Panagiotidis Sofoklis, Bakola Maria, Aggelakou-Vaitsi Stamatina, Vaitsis Nikolaos International Journal of Novel Research in Healthcare and Nursing ISSN 2394-7330 Vol. 12, Issue 1, January 2025 - April 2025 Page No: 53-60 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 15-January-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14652047 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Association%20of%20Dietary%20Behaviour-15012025-5.pdf