Oct 3, 2023, 08:12 PM IST

Can milk tea (chai) addiction lead to depression and anxiety?

Raunak Jain

Milk tea is a beloved beverage and has raised mental health concerns.

A study by Tsinghua University and Central University of Finance and Economics surveyed 5,281 students.

Findings in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggest milk tea addiction links to anxiety and depression.

77% of participants consumed 6-11 cups in a year, with higher addiction linked to mental health risks.

The study proposes implications for policymakers, including restricting milk tea advertising.

Policymakers can also implement psycho-education programs about milk tea risks.

Establishing food hygiene standards for the milk tea industry is essential for youth mental wellbeing.

The study didn't explore the specific cause but suggests further research with larger sample sizes.

Milk tea is categorized as a sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) due to added sugar and caffeine.

Excessive consumption of caffeinated SSBs can lead to cravings, loss of control, tolerance, and withdrawal effects.

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