Background and Aims With regard to excessive consumption of fast foods as an indicator of a lifestyle characterized by urbanization, overworking, low resting time, insufficient time for choosing or preparing food and lack of a pertinent study about this issue in Iran, the present study was conducted aiming at analyzing the relationship between consumption of fast foods and the amount of micronutrient intake as well as anxiety.

Methods We conducted a cross-section study with 488 pupils aged 8–12 years living in Tehran selected by cluster sampling from 22 districts of Tehran. Diet assessments were done using 24 hours recall in two times with a week interval. Levels of anxiety were determined using the Persian version of the validated Speilburger test. A regression analysis model with appropriate odds was used to assess the effect of fast food consumption on anxiety variables.

Results Significant statistical relationship was observed between consumption amount of fast foods and trait and state anxiety levels. Adjusting for age, gender and body mass index, the Proportional Odds Regression Model showed a significant relationship between consumption amount of fast foods and trait and state anxiety. odds of getting either moderate or severe anxiety in those students who frequently consumed fast foods was seven folds higher than those students who rarely used fast foods.

Conclusions High consumption of Fast-foods was associated with the increased anxiety levels.