Ultra-Processed Food Linked to Declining Mental Health

A new global findings suggest ultra-processed foods may be damaging not just physical health but also the mental health, not only in India but all over the world.

The Global Mind Health 2025 report, released by Washington-based Sapien Labs under the Global Mind Project, presents a strong evidence linking regular ultra processed food intake to diminished emotional regulation, cognitive control, and overall mental well-being.

A Generation at Risk

According to the report, 41% of internet-enabled young adults (18 - 34 years) globally are experiencing clinically significant mental health problems. Young adults are now nearly four times more likely than those over 55 to report serious impairment in their ability to function productively in daily life.

Across 85 countries surveyed in 2024 and 2025, researchers found that 54% of 18 to 34 year olds globally consume ultra-processed foods most days of the week or more. In contrast, only 26% of adults over 55 report similar consumption levels.

Situation in India

In India, overall regular consumption remains lower than the global average, but 44% of Indians aged 18 to 34 reported regular ultra processed food intake. Only 11% of those above 55 consumed such food frequently.

The study analyzed responses from over 221,000 young adults and 300,000 older adults, making it one of the largest cross-national assessments of diet and mental health to date.

For years, ultra processed foods, typically high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, salt, artificial additives, and low in fiber, have been associated primarily with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. However, emerging research now indicates that their impact may extend much deeper.

Multiple international studies have linked high ultra processed food consumption to increased symptoms of depression, poor emotional regulation, reduced attention span and weakened cognitive control.

The new report identifies UPFs as one of several contributors to declining mental health among young people, alongside early smartphone exposure, weakened family bonds, and reduced spirituality.

Ultra Processed Food in India

Chips and namkeen, flavored popcorn, burgers, fries, nuggets, packaged pizza bases with processed cheese spreads, frozen kebabs, sausages, instant noodles, cup soups, instant pasta, frozen paratha, samosas,soft drinks, packaged fruit drinks,energy drinks,chocolate bars, packaged cakes, pastries, cream biscuits, toffees, candies,white sliced bread, breakfast cereals, chocolate spreads etc.