CONSUMPTION OF JUNK FOOD INCREASES DIABETIC, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION RATE IN YOUNG GENERATION

Abstract

Among young adults, diabetes affects increasing numbers of persons and this is a cause for alarm as a public health concern. Paleolithic nutrition and depression are some of the factors underlying this condition. This study, therefore, aims at examining the relationship between nutrition, lifestyle, mental well-being, and diabetes among individuals aged between 18 and 40 in Kenya. In this case, this research surveyed the level of junk food intake as well as depression levels, awareness of diabetes, and the amount of physical training the participants had, to illustrate the link between poor diet, low mental health, and increased chances of developing diabetes. The research findings observe that more than half of the respondents consume processed foods. Close to 36% of the participants claimed they consumed junk foods almost daily while 53% of the participants said they consumed junk foods several times a week. This worrying sign depicts a three-quarters of the target population consuming junk food frequently and that may in part be the reasons for the rising incidence of type II diabetes. Further breakdown of the communities revealed that over 50% of the participants had depressive symptoms and these make the situation even worse. Depression further makes the individual possess poor eating habits and low physical activities. These findings call for effective initiatives aimed at preventing health issues among youth. Education programs aimed at improving the knowledge on nutrition are vital as well as mental health facilities and primary care that is specific to the health needs of the youth.