Body Mass Index, Sleep, and Food Insecurity Predict Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in College Students

Authors

• Makenzie Barr-Porter, University of KentuckyFollow
• Amelia Sullivan, University of Kentucky
• Jade McNamara, University of KentuckyFollow

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the relationship between mental health, health behaviors, and food security in young adults in a university environment. Young adults (N = 536) at two United States universities completed a survey assessing health behaviors and characteristics. Logistic regression determined the odds of anxiety and/or depression based on gender identity, body mass index (BMI), food security status (FSS), and sleep restfulness. Over one-third of students were food insecure (36.7%), and almost all reported anxiety (57%) and/or depression (39.1%). Students who identified as female, reported very low FSS, poor sleep, and had higher BMI were at greater odds for the prevalence of depression. Students with poor sleep and low FSS were more likely to report mental health challenges. Universities should focus on priorities and interventions among at-risk students.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Notes/Citation Information

Copyright © 2025 The Author(s).

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276251339613

Funding Information

The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by University of Kentucky Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition and USDA NIFA AFRI SEED (grant no. 2021-68015-33432).

Repository Citation

Barr-Porter, Makenzie; Sullivan, Amelia; and McNamara, Jade, "Body Mass Index, Sleep, and Food Insecurity Predict Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in College Students" (2025). Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications. 53.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/foodsci_facpub/53