The Hidden Cost of Ultra-Processed Packaged Foods on Young Indians' Mental Health and Productivity

Ultra-processed foods are becoming a common part of young Indians' diets, but this shift is causing more harm than many realize. Recent global research reveals that the rise in packaged food consumption among youth is linked to serious mental health challenges and a drop in productivity. This trend threatens not only individual well-being but also the broader social and economic fabric of the nation.

Rising Consumption of Packaged Food Among Young Indians

A global survey conducted across 85 countries in 2024 and 2025 highlights a worrying pattern. Among internet-enabled young adults aged 18 to 34, 44 percent of Indians regularly consume ultra-processed foods, compared to only 11 percent of those aged 55 and above. This stark generational gap shows how lifestyle changes are pushing younger people towards diets high in processed food.

Ultra-processed foods include items like sugary snacks, instant noodles, and ready-to-eat meals. These products are convenient but often lack essential nutrients. The frequent consumption of such foods can disrupt normal brain function, leading to poor concentration and other mental health issues.

Impact on Mental Health and Productivity

The study found that 41 percent of young adults worldwide face clinically significant mental health challenges. In India, the rise in packaged food consumption is linked to increased reports of poor concentration, anxiety, and depression among youth. These mental health struggles reduce their ability to function productively in daily life.

Young adults are nearly four times more likely than those over 55 to report serious impairment in productivity. This means that poor diet choices are not just personal health issues but also affect work performance and academic success. When mental health suffers, motivation and focus decline, creating a cycle that is hard to break.

Why This Matters for India’s Future

India’s youth represent a large part of the workforce and future leaders. If mental health and productivity continue to decline due to poor diet and lifestyle choices, the country could face long-term economic and social challenges. The cost of untreated mental health problems includes lost workdays, lower output, and increased healthcare expenses.

The problem goes beyond obesity and diabetes, which are often the focus of discussions around processed food. Mental health impacts are less visible but equally damaging. Addressing this issue requires a broader understanding of how diet influences brain health and daily functioning.

What Can Be Done to Reverse This Trend

Experts urge policymakers to take action beyond simple food labeling. Suggested measures include:

• Restricting marketing of ultra-processed foods to minors

• Improving the quality of food available in schools

• Implementing higher taxes on high-fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) products

  
  

These steps aim to create a healthier food environment that supports better lifestyle choices. Importantly, such policies should be seen as investments in the nation’s future rather than attacks on the food industry.

Taking Control of Your Diet and Mental Health

Young adults can also take practical steps to protect their mental health and productivity:

• Choose whole, minimally processed foods whenever possible

• Limit intake of packaged food and sugary snacks

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins

• Stay physically active to support overall well-being

• Seek professional help if experiencing persistent mental health issues

  
  

Small changes in diet and lifestyle can improve concentration and mood, helping young people perform better in their studies and work.