Association between Physical Activity, Food Consumption and Depressive Symptoms Among Young Adults in Spain: Findings of a National Survey

Abstract

Young adults have a significant prevalence of mental disorders, which could lead to dysfunctional quality of life. Records of 1,645 Spanish adolescents were examined and multiple logistic regressions were performed. Being a woman, being older and having a sedentary life were all associated with a higher psychological vulnerability, whereas a low frequency of fresh fruit and bread/cereals consumption, as well as regular intense physical activity, were considered protective against such susceptibility. Regular physical activity and a diet with a high consumption of fruit and cereals may help reduce depressive symptoms, but sociodemographic features are as much as important as lifestyle habits.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Authors' contributions

Conception or design of the work: PJLS, JMCT, MARB

The acquisition of data: FD, PJLS

Analysis and interpretation of data: FD, PMRM, PJLS, MARB

Revising it critically for important intellectual content: All authors

Final approval of the version to be published: All authors

All authors have made a substantial, direct, intellectual contribution to the work.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.