Sugary drinks may be linked to rising anxiety among teenagers
Researchers from Bournemouth University say there's a correlation between the consumption of sugary drinks and anxiety symptoms in adolescents
Last updated 18th Feb 2026
A new study has found a link between high consumption of sugary drinks and anxiety symptoms in young people.
Researchers at Bournemouth University were part of a team that reviewed multiple international studies examining the relationship between diet and mental wellbeing among children and teenagers.
Their findings have been published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
The research focused on drinks high in sugar, including fizzy drinks, energy drinks, sugary juices, squashes, sweetened teas and coffees and flavoured milks.
Across the studies analysed, a correlation was identified between higher levels of sugary drink consumption and increased symptoms of anxiety in adolescents.
Dr Chloe Casey, lecturer in nutrition and co-author of the study, said public health messaging has traditionally focused on the physical consequences of poor diet.
“With increasing concern about adolescent nutrition, most public health initiatives have emphasised the physical consequences of poor dietary habits, such as obesity and type-2 diabetes,” she said.
“However, the mental health implications of diet have been underexplored by comparison, particularly for drinks that are energy dense but low in nutrients.”
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions affecting young people.
In 2023, it was estimated that one in five children and young people had a mental health disorder, with anxiety among the most frequently reported.
While the findings point to a clear association, researchers caution that they do not prove sugary drinks directly cause anxiety.
The experts did say it is possible that young people experiencing anxiety may just be more likely to consume fizzy drinks or that other underlying factors, such as family environment, sleep problems or broader lifestyle habits, may have contributed to anxiety symptoms of participants.
Dr Casey said: “Whilst we may not be able to confirm at this stage what the direct cause is, this study has identified an unhealthy connection between consumption of sugary drinks and anxiety disorders in young people,”
She added that with anxiety disorders in adolescence rising sharply in recent years, identifying modifiable lifestyle habits could play an important role in addressing the trend.
Researchers say further studies are needed to better understand the direction and causes of the relationship.