Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity increase the risk of chronic mental and physical health conditions such as depression and obesity in American adolescents. Depression is the leading mental illness found in adolescents across the United States and less than 1 in 10 children eat their recommended vegetables, only 16 % of adolescents meet U.S. physical activity guidelines, 36.3% consume fast food on a given day, and as many as 20% are obese. These numbers show a rapid rise along with the availability of fast food. Multiple studies examine the relationship between healthy nutrition and the signs and symptoms of depression among adolescents demonstrating a correlation. The purpose of this integrative review is to analyze and synthesize recent peer-reviewed research to determine the strength of evidence for a relationship between nutrition and depression. We hypothesize that adolescent diets correlate with mental health, more specifically on Major Depressive Disorder (MDDI) signs and symptoms. Further, we will synthesize results describing effective interventions to reduce the incidence of both MDD and obesity in tandem and improve adolescent health.
Faculty Mentor
Mrs. Jennifer Hicks
Recommended Citation
Hoffman, Mary; Asamoah, Belinda; and Okewusi, Fadeyemi, "Association Between the Diet of Adolescents in America and the Prevalence of Depression Found Within This Population" (2025). Student Scholar Symposium. 134.
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/student_scholars_symposium/2025/Full_schedule/134
Included in
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons
Association Between the Diet of Adolescents in America and the Prevalence of Depression Found Within This Population
Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity increase the risk of chronic mental and physical health conditions such as depression and obesity in American adolescents. Depression is the leading mental illness found in adolescents across the United States and less than 1 in 10 children eat their recommended vegetables, only 16 % of adolescents meet U.S. physical activity guidelines, 36.3% consume fast food on a given day, and as many as 20% are obese. These numbers show a rapid rise along with the availability of fast food. Multiple studies examine the relationship between healthy nutrition and the signs and symptoms of depression among adolescents demonstrating a correlation. The purpose of this integrative review is to analyze and synthesize recent peer-reviewed research to determine the strength of evidence for a relationship between nutrition and depression. We hypothesize that adolescent diets correlate with mental health, more specifically on Major Depressive Disorder (MDDI) signs and symptoms. Further, we will synthesize results describing effective interventions to reduce the incidence of both MDD and obesity in tandem and improve adolescent health.