Western Diet Consumption and Problematic Behaviors: A Clinical, Forensic, and Neurological Perspective
The Western-style diet is characterized by higher consumption of processed foods, sugar, saturated fats, and red meat, and it has been linked to negative outcomes in emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and physical health. Recent research also suggests that a high intake of foods falling into this category may elevate the risk of problematic behaviors. This training will explore these subjects from clinical, forensic mental health, and neurocriminological perspectives. It will also delve into related topics such as ultra- processed foods, fast food, and unhealthy food consumption, as well as their connections to adverse birth outcomes, chronic low-grade inflammation, cognitive impairment, chronic diseases, internalizing and externalizing behavioral issues, disruptions in gut-brain health, sleep disturbances, health and nutritional knowledge, psychological challenges, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, food insecurity, and excessive sugar intake, among others. The training will incorporate evidence-based research findings to underscore these points.