Vocabulary
- Indulge
- Component
- Elucidating
- Endeavoured
- Socioeconomic
- Notwithstanding
Article
A recent study has shed new light on the potential consequences of consuming fast food. According to the findings, each fast food meal we indulge in per week may increase our risk of developing depression by approximately 4%. This alarming statistic is all the more significant given that a considerable portion of the global population relies on fast food as a regular component of their diet.
A research team from Iran undertook a comprehensive study aimed at elucidating the relationship between fast food consumption and its impact on obesity and depression. Notably, numerous previous studies have highlighted the link between the consumption of heavily processed foods and the development of depressive disorders. Building on this existing body of research, the Iranian team endeavoured to investigate the causal dynamics underlying this phenomenon.
To this end, they conducted a large-scale longitudinal study involving more than 31,000 participants from the United States, spanning a ten-year period between 2008 and 2018. The researchers gathered extensive data on fast food consumption patterns and depression symptoms among the participants, employing a sophisticated survey instrument to gauge the latter.
The results of the study were striking. Notably, the incidence of depression was found to be significantly higher among women (11%) compared to men (7%). Moreover, it emerged that individuals with higher educational attainment were less likely to suffer from depression, suggesting a potential link between socioeconomic factors and mental health outcomes.
Perhaps the most noteworthy finding, however, was that eating more than two fast food meals per week increased the risk of depression by a considerable 24% compared to individuals who consumed fewer fast food meals. This suggests that the negative impact of fast food consumption may extend beyond the realm of physical health to encompass mental well-being.
Notwithstanding these findings, the researchers caution that their study is unable to provide conclusive evidence that eating fast food directly causes depression. Nonetheless, the study’s results underscore the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining optimal mental health and highlight the need for further research into the complex interplay between diet, lifestyle, and mental well-being.
Summarize the article in your own words.
Speaking
- What is your opinion on the results of this research?
- How popular is fast food in your country?
- What do you think people with more education were less likely to have depression?
- It it always bad to have fast food? Why or why not?
- What advice would you give to someone with depression?
Writing
What are ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Listening
- Describe what happened in the video. Do you usually choose a healthy option when you eat out with friends?
English with Melody 