Junk food and its effects on mental health

In the absence of time and in the time when immediacy reigns, it is a very common phenomenon that people decide to consume unhealthy food. For example, in the United States of America, 83% of families eat this food at least once a week.

These ultra-processed foods are high in saturated fat and sugar and have been linked to diabetes, obesity, cancer and other health conditions, even on an emotional level.

dr. Amny Acosta Then, general manager of the Salutte Clinic (Clinic specialized in weight loss and obesity treatment), explained that junk food produced by a temporary happinessmajor deterioration in emotional well-being and increases risk from depression, anxiety and stress.

Acosta then emphasized that patients with depression, anxiety or often have defects tryptophanan amino acid necessary for the production of serotonin ( hormone of happiness), and non-consumption of food that promotes its production negatively changes it mood.

Milk, cheese, lean meat, fish, eggs, bananas and legumes are some of the foods that stimulate the production of tryptophan.

“I always remind my patients that in order to notice a real, lasting and sustainable change, the first thing we need to work on is the mental state. And while there are really important factors like the relationship with the patient, the mentality to come with and having a solid support system in the process, change feed is important. Change will always come from our body and that’s how balance is created,” Acosta Then commented via email.

Statistics

Data from Statista, a data and business intelligence platform, found that it is fast food grows about 2.2% every year, and people with higher income are more inclined consumption.

Men are more likely to eat fast food for lunch, while women do it more as a snack, and by age group, the percentage is higher young adults (44.9%) eat more of this food compared to older adults (24.1%).

About 35.4% of women and 38% of men consume fast food every day, and it is estimated that one person spends 1,200 dollars on fast food annually.

Given this panorama, Acosta then created the awareness campaign “Junk Food: False Happiness”, which invites us to seek happiness by being more authentic with our consumption. food rich in protein and unsaturated fats.