Interplay of Socio-Economic Status, Nutrition, and Psychological Well-Being Among Indian Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Rumpa Dhua, Krishnendu Adhikary, Krishnendu Ganguly, Rajkumar Maiti, Rakhi Dey SharmaIntroduction:
Adolescence is a phase of crucial growth during which young individuals undergo rapid physical and psychological changes. This age group is particularly susceptible to inadequate nutrition and impaired mental health, especially among children from low socio-economic groups in India. This review aims to investigate how socio-economic conditions affect nutritional status and, consequently, psychological well-being in Indian adolescents.
Methods:
The current review initially considered 211 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025. After applying the inclusion criteria, 150 studies on Indian adolescents were selected from databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science
Results:
The study revealed a high prevalence of undernutrition, anemia, and stunting among adolescents, particularly girls. Common contributing factors included inadequate dietary intake, insufficient nutrition knowledge, and socio-economic disparities. General psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem were observed, which were linked to nutritional insufficiency.
Discussion:
This review indicates that adolescents from lower socio-demographic backgrounds face an increased risk of poor nutrition and mental health issues. Several studies highlight that inadequate nutrient intake impairs brain function, learning ability, and mood stability. Current clinical trials on various micronutrient interventions demonstrate improved mental stability and enhanced nutritional status in adolescents
Conclusion:
Poor nutrition and mental health issues are more prevalent among adolescents from deprived backgrounds. Recent trials suggest that dietary interventions, at both micro- and macronutrient levels, can have beneficial effects on mental health. A holistic approach addressing adolescent health in India—integrating nutritional support and mental health interventions—is essential, particularly for vulnerable populations. Such interventions are crucial to ensuring the healthy growth and development of India’s future generation