Eating patterns and mental health problems in early adolescence – a cross-sectional study of 12–13-year-old Norwegian schoolchildren

In this cross-sectional study, the tie between eating patterns and mental health problems (gauged by the use of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) was investigated in a young Norwegian population (12-13 years old). Parents reported dietary intake through a modified Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) which was then analysed to determine eating patterns (through principal component analysis). The results showed increased signs of psychiatric and hyperactivity-inattention disorders in adolescents on a less ‘varied Norwegian’ eating pattern, and in those with eating habits high in the ‘junk/convenient’ category, than the children who scored lower in scale. A higher score on a ‘snacking’ eating pattern was also correlated to higher risk of conduct/oppositional disorders than lower scores. The study concluded a strong correlation between diversified nutrient-rich diets and enhanced mental health, and the association between poor dieting and irregularly eating habits with poor mental health outcomes at the adolescent stage, independent of physical activity, sedentary activity and background variability. [NPID: depression, anxiety, mental illness, Norwegian, young adult, adolescence, hyperactivity-inattention disorders, ADHD, snacking, nutrient-rich, sedentary]

Year: 2014

Reference: Oellingrath, I. M., Svendsen, M. V., & Hestetun, I. (2014). Eating patterns and mental health problems in early adolescence--a cross-sectional study of 12-13-year-old Norwegian schoolchildren. Public health nutrition, 17(11), 2554–2562. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980013002747