Evaluation of the relationship between sustainable and healthy eating behaviours, phytochemical index, anthropometric measurements, and depression in young adults.

This study was planned and conducted to evaluate the relationships among sustainable and healthy eating behaviours, the phytochemical index, anthropometric measurements, and depression in adults. A total of 400 participants aged 18-30 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviours Scale (SHEBS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). A 24-hour dietary recall was used to calculate the Phytochemical Index. Anthropometric measurements, including weight, height, and circumferences of the waist, hip, and neck, were obtained using standardised procedures. There was no significant correlation among SHEBS, the phytochemical index, and BDI scores (p > 0.05). But the SHEBS scores of the 3rd and 4th quartiles of the phytochemical index were significantly different (p < 0.05). A negative relationship was also detected between the SHEBS score and body mass index, waist circumference, neck circumference, waist-hip ratio, and waist-height ratio (p < 0.05). The BDI score was found to be negatively correlated with waist circumference, neck circumference, and waist/height ratio (p < 0.05). In this study, sustainable healthy eating behaviour is associated with anthropometric measurements, but not with phytochemical index or depression. While healthy eating behaviours constitute an indispensable component of physical and mental health, their environmental effects and positive contributions to sustainability should not be ignored. Therefore, it is thought that more comprehensive studies investigating sustainable nutrition, phytochemical intake and depression are needed.