Generalized anxiety disorder is associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods and eating behaviors markers in university students.

Brazilian university students face significant health challenges, with over one-third exceeding a healthy weight and Brazil experiencing the highest global prevalence of anxiety. We hypothesized that screening positive for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) would be associated with increased intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and unfavorable eating behaviors in this population. This cross-sectional study included 5,946 students (aged 18-59 years) from 94 Brazilian universities. GAD prevalence was assessed using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), while dietary markers and eating behaviors were evaluated via the Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System tool. Our findings revealed a GAD prevalence of 42.3%. Students with GAD had higher consumption of hamburgers/processed meats (PR: 1.19; 95%CI: [1.10; 1.28]), sweetened beverages (PR: 1.12; 95%CI: [1.06; 1.18]), instant noodles/packaged snacks/savory biscuits (PR: 1.26; 95%CI: [1.13; 1.40]), and sandwich cookies/sweets/treats (PR: 1.14; 95%CI: [1.06; 1.22]), and lower consumption of vegetables (PR: 0.94; 95%CI: [0.90; 0.98]) compared to those without GAD. Additionally, those with GAD were more prone to eating in front of screens (PR: 1.07; 95%CI: [1.04; 1.10]), skipping breakfast (PR: 0.96; 95%CI: [0.93; 0.99]) and lunch (PR: 0.98; 95% CI: [0.98; 0.99]). In conclusion, GAD is probably associated with unhealthy eating behaviors in Brazilian university students. Highlighting the need for specific dietary monitoring and multifaceted care to improve health in this population.