Snacking frequency, mental health, health beliefs and physical health

The aims of the current study were to examine associations between snacking frequency and mental health, health related behaviors, health beliefs and physical health. Snacking frequency per se was examined in addition to frequency of consumption of specific snack items. One hundred and thirty six participants (96 females, 40 males, mean age 37 years), including both students and members of the general public took part in the study. Participants completed a variety of psychosocial questionnaires and a snacking questionnaire. Participants who had a snack everyday reported significantly less depression than those who did not. Snacking frequency positively correlated with chocolate, crisp and biscuit consumption. Participants who consumed snacks like crisps and chocolate reported greater concerns about their current and future health status and also had less motivation to be healthy. No differences were found with respect to physical health. Participants who ate snacks such as chocolate and crisps ate a lot of fried foods and had more worries about their health. The participants who consumed snacks such as fruit and yoghurt had better diets and were optimistic about their future health. It is not possible to determine from the present results whether eating habit determines health concerns or whether health determines eating habits