Are Your Carbohydrate Choices Fueling Depression, Anxiety, and Stress? Unpacking the Link between Diet and Mental Health in Women Attending Diet Clinics

Authors : Berre İncekara, Gözde Dumlu Bilgin

Pages : 161-172

Doi:10.57224/jhpr.1780826

View : 50 | Download : 23

Publication Date : 2025-10-21

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: The link between carbohydrate quality and mental health outcomes-specifically depression, anxiety, and stress-remains underexplored. This study investigates the potential impact of the Carbohydrate Quality Index (CQI) on these psychological parameters in women. Method: This cross-sectional study included adult women attending a diet clinic in Bursa, Türkiye. Dietary data were used to calculate the CQI, a composite index based on dietary fiber intake, glycemic index (GI), the ratio of whole to refined grains, and the physical form of carbohydrates (solid vs. liquid). Mental health status was assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-42). Data were summarized using appropriate descriptive statistics, and group differences were analyzed with suitable statistical methods based on the data distribution. Results: A total of 140 women participated, with a mean age of 34.3 years. The average CQI score was 11.9 ± 3.2. According to DASS-42 results, a majority reported moderate levels of depression (76.4%), anxiety (67.9%), and stress (69.2%). When participants were grouped into CQI quintiles, a significant inverse association was observed: as CQI increased from Q1 to Q5, depression scores declined (mean: 11 vs. 2; p = 0.007), as did anxiety (8.4 vs. 3.9; p = 0.010) and stress levels (15 vs. 9; p = 0.007). Conclusion: These findings suggest that higher carbohydrate quality may be linked to better mental health in women. Dietary interventions aimed at improving carbohydrate quality could offer a supportive strategy for managing depression, anxiety, and stress. Additional studies are required to examine the primary mechanisms and prolonged outcomes.
Keywords : Anksiyete, depresyon, karbonhidrat kalite indeksi, mental sağlık, stres

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