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An excess of sugary drinks can specifically lead to a higher risk of anxiety among teens, a new study shows.
In a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, U.K. researchers reviewed various studies from 2000 to 2025.
They explored the link between drinking sugar-sweetened beverages — including sodas, energy drinks, sweetened juices, teas, and coffee — and anxiety disorders in adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years.
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Teens who consumed a greater amount of sugary drinks were found to have approximately a 34% increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder compared to those with lower consumption.
Out of the nine studies evaluated, seven revealed a notable positive link between sugary drink intake and anxiety symptoms.
Teens who drank more sugar-sweetened beverages were found to have about a 34% higher chance of having an anxiety disorder. (iStock)
“With growing concerns about adolescent nutrition, many public health initiatives have focused on the physical consequences of poor dietary habits, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes,” commented Dr. Chloe Casey, a nutrition lecturer at Bournemouth University in the U.K.
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“However, the mental health implications of diet have been relatively under-explored, especially concerning energy-dense but nutrient-poor drinks.”
The study was based on observational data, which does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between sugary beverage consumption and anxiety. It remains unclear whether sugary drinks induce anxiety or if teens who are anxious are more likely to consume them.
The study does not confirm a direct cause, but does show a strong association between sugary drinks and anxiety. (iStock)
“While the exact cause is yet to be determined, this study has highlighted an unhealthy connection between sugary drink consumption and anxiety disorders in youths,” Casey noted.
“With anxiety disorders among adolescents sharply increasing, it’s critical to identify lifestyle habits that can mitigate this troubling trend.”
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According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 11% of American children aged 3 to 17 were diagnosed with anxiety between 2022 and 2023.
“Anxiety issues, behavioral disorders, and depression are the most frequently diagnosed mental disorders in children,” the agency states on its website.
About 11% of American children between the ages of 3 and 17 have diagnosed anxiety, according to CDC data. (iStock)
“While it’s essential to recognize that this study indicates correlation, not causation, I believe a more rigorously designed study would yield similar findings,” said Ilana Muhlstein, a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Los Angeles, who was not involved in the research.
“Soda, which acts as liquid sugar — lacking fiber, protein, or fat to slow absorption — enters the bloodstream faster than nearly any other food or drink,” she explained.
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“The pancreas responds rapidly, insulin levels spike, blood sugar crashes, leaving individuals in a state that resembles anxiety,” Muhlstein continued. “The quicker the spike, the more severe the crash.”
In her practice, Muhlstein noted that teens are consuming less soda and more alternatives like oat milk lattes, coffee drinks laden with syrup, slushies, and sports drinks.
Sugary drinks are “liquid candy” to the body, one registered dietitian said. (iStock)
Elevated blood sugar spikes can also influence weight, skin health, sleep quality, and emotional stability, regardless of caffeine content.
“What these children consume significantly impacts their physical and emotional wellbeing, and caffeine combined with unstable blood sugar only exacerbates the situation,” Muhlstein warned.
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Serena Poon, a certified nutritionist and founder of Wholistic Lifestyle Medicine based in Los Angeles, emphasized that food and beverages “serve more than just a nutritional purpose.”
“They convey information to the body and brain,” she stated, commenting on the potential influence of what teens drink consistently on their energy levels, mood stability, and stress response in the nervous system.
One expert advised parents to encourage more balance in their children’s diet and lifestyle habits. (iStock)
“Excessively sweet drinks can result in rapid energy spikes followed by crashes, and adding caffeine can heighten bodily stress responses.”
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Poon recommends that parents guide their children to minimize sugary drink consumption and choose alternatives like water, herbal teas, or sparkling water for better energy stability.
Moreover, meals should include fiber, healthy fats, and proteins to help moderate blood sugar levels, which can influence mood and concentration.
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“Adolescence is a crucial time for brain development, so providing teens with balanced nutrition, stable energy levels, and sufficient hydration may aid both their physical and emotional health,” Poon concluded.
Fox News Digital contacted the American Beverage Association and Bournemouth University for additional comments.
Key Takeaways
- Increased sugary drink consumption is linked to a higher risk of anxiety in teens.
- Research indicates a 34% greater chance of anxiety disorders among heavy consumers of sugary beverages.
- The study does not confirm direct causation but highlights a notable association.
- Balanced diets including fiber and healthy fats can stabilize blood sugar levels influencing mood.
- Encouraging hydration with water instead of sugary drinks is suggested for better energy and emotional well-being.
FAQ
What types of beverages are considered sugary drinks?
Sugary drinks include sodas, energy drinks, sweetened juices, teas, and coffee with added sugars.
What is the main finding of the study?
The study found a significant association between high sugary drink consumption and anxiety disorders among adolescents.
Does the study prove that sugary drinks cause anxiety?
No, the study indicates correlation but does not establish direct causation.
What dietary changes are recommended for teens?
Teens are encouraged to reduce sugary beverage intake and consume balanced meals that include fiber, healthy fats, and proteins.
What alternatives to sugary drinks are suggested?
Hydration options such as water, herbal teas, or sparkling water are recommended.
