Beware of those greasy burgers

Expert view
Indian systems  of medicine back analysis
The foreign scientists, who analysed the food and mood data are right. There is a deeper connection with junk food and depression. Even Indian systems of medicine like ayurveda and naturopathy confirm the findings to some extent. Food has been divided into three categories according to their effect on our body. These are rajasik, tamasik and sattvic categories. Junk food comes under rajasik and tamasik because it contains spices, fat and sugar. All these ingredients accumulate in nature and stay in the body, which later produces toxins in the body. Many chronic ailments like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, hypertension and mood changes develop as a result of this toxicity. Junk food also create irritability and anger. That is the reason we are told to include sattvic food which is less oily and spicy in our daily diet. Moreover the junk food is prepared in unhygienic places which is also another reason for infection and aliments.
—Mehar Panjwani, Nutritionist, Studio Aesthetic and Unique Hospital       

Sensitise children from a young age
I agree with this study. I think there is a direct connection between junk food consumption and depression in India as well. When people consume junk food, they don't care about gaining weight. It all accumulates and then it leads to obesity and then people start feeling depressed. Instead of acting upon it, we tend to indulge in it. Some feel a little more intake won't make a difference. Also lately there is a lot of obsession with the size zero figure and hence one feels more conscious about one's appearance. Also there is lot of guilt attached with having junk food, people feel like they have sinned after eating one gulab jamun or having pizzas. So here one needs to realise that moderation is the key. It is important to control one's diet and keep a gap between every meal. Certain foods items are known to affect the moods. Like curd and cucumber are known to be cooling. Pickle and red meat are not good for health. Chocolate for instance makes people feel good and gives an instant high. As childhood obesity is on the rise, not just in the US, but in India too, so children need to be trained from a young age. As soon as they are in college, they have the freedom to spend money and they then tend to eat out everyday. I think fries and aerated drinks should be totally avoided, dosa and idli are also considered junk but they are comparatively healthy.
—Dr. Richa Anand,  nutritionist, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital

There is rampant consumption in West
This study has been conducted by foreign experts on people in Europe. The consumption of junk food is much higher there than in India. School children there are addicted to junk food and consume pizzas and burgers almost everyday. In the West, food cooked at home is not so nutritious, like the preparation here. Also, in this country, there are many varieties that are included in the junk food category. I’m unsure about the study but people feel good while eating junk food, they don’t think about the implications. I will continue having junk, but I won’t gorge on it everyday.                          
—Juie Pagnis, school student

No harm in minimising its intake
I prefer eating home food rather than munching on something in the office. But sometimes when I'm working late or on business calls, there is no option left but to eat junk food. Even then, I opt for biscuits or a vegetable sandwich, which is less oily. Also, I drink a lot of water since it is good for health. I follow this regime because I'm health conscious and prefer to stay fit. Although, I wouldn't take the study seriously as different studies unveil different facts and figures. However, we cannot ignore them completely. Fast food is harmful for growth among children, there is no harm in minimising its intake.    
—Jimit Shah, PR consultant

I sparingly allow my son to eat junk food
I wouldn’t take this study seriously and I don’t think it’s worrying. There are several other reasons for depression and not just excessive consumption of junk food. I’m particular about what my six year old son consumes. We go out once in a week, but I ensure that he doesn’t eat food that has no nutritional value. I allow him to have junk food twice in a month and I think that’s fair enough. I would rather let him have food of his choice in moderation than tell him to totally avoid it. I prepare his favourite food items like Chinese bhel and pizza at home so he doesn’t insist on eating out.     
—Tina Chalishajarwala, parent

Diet can mould mental state
During the week, I end up eating out, at least once, depending on my schedule. If I'm travelling for meetings or events then I invariably end up eating at fast food joints between work. I try and avoid junk food as much as possible and ensure that at least one meal of the day is wholesome home-made preparation. I agree with the findings, since according to our religious philosophy, our persona is moulded by our diet. In Jain religion, we are taught from childhood that the kind of food you eat affects your thoughts and provokes the darker aspects of human nature.    
—Shefali Mehta, senior management associate

Gradually phase it out from menu
This study is indeed disturbing. I would believe the study since the conclusions have been arrived at after extensive research. We are aware that junk food is harmful for our body and now there is a study saying that it leads to depression as well. There is a need for a complete lifestyle change, since we are accustomed to junk food in some form or another. Pizzas, pastas, donuts and aerated drinks are a part of our meals now. So basically there is need to restrict the intake of junk food that we consume and gradually reduce it. 
—Ganesh Bhonsle, college student