Sugary drinks linked to rising anxiety in teens

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Source: ScienceDaily Health

Original: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260218044624.htm...

Published: Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:45:27 EST

A new review of multiple studies found a consistent link between high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and increased anxiety symptoms in adolescents.[1] These beverages include soda, energy drinks, sweetened juices, and flavored milks.[1] The results showed a clear link between high consumption of sugary drinks and anxiety.[1] However, the study does not provide direct evidence that drinking more sugary drinks directly causes anxiety, as it is possible that anxiety symptoms lead to higher consumption of these drinks.[1] Anxiety disorders in adolescents have increased sharply in recent years.[1] Energy drink consumption is more common among boys than among girls and is associated with risky behaviors such as substance use and violence.[2] The analysis included data from 57 studies involving more than 1.2 million children and young people from 21 countries.[2]