The Impact of Diet on Adolescent Mental Health in Big Cities

Abstract

Adolescent mental health is a health problem that is increasingly gaining global attention. In big cities, teens are often exposed to stress and social pressures that can affect their mental well-being. One of the factors that is believed to affect mental health is diet. An unhealthy diet, e.g. malnutrition, fast food consumption, or irregular diet, can affect the chemical balance in the brain, which in turn can affect mood and anxiety. This study aims to explore the impact of diet on the mental health of adolescents in big cities. The method used in this study is a qualitative approach with literature study. Researchers reviewed a variety of relevant literature sources, including journal articles, books, and research reports related to adolescent diet and mental health. The data collected were analyzed thematically to identify the relationship between diet and mental health conditions in adolescents in urban settings. The results of the study suggest that unhealthy diets, such as high consumption of processed foods and low intake of nutritious foods, can contribute to increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders in adolescents. Conversely, a healthy diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and other essential nutrients, can support better mental health. This study confirms the importance of better interventions in nutrition education for adolescents, especially in big cities, to improve the quality of their mental health. These results also encourage the need for public policies that support healthy diets as part of efforts to prevent mental disorders in adolescents.