Here’s how universities could reduce that weight
The amount of weight gained by university students is lower than what was rumored. They can earn as much as 4kg during their first semester. Lifestyle changes, unhealthy eating habits, and poor physical activity cause weight gain.
The majority of university students (aged 18 to 35) spend most of their time on campus. As they have lower incomes, young adults are more vulnerable to the food environment at university, including the price and size of food.
The majority of university students spend much time on campus. Shutterstock.com
According to studies, young adults tend to consume more energy-dense foods and beverages that are low in nutrients than older adults. Sugary soft drinks swe, sweetened pastries, and meat pies, as well as pizza, crisps, and candy, are all examples.
Why is the university responsible?
Two-thirds (or ) of Australian adults are obese or overweight. There is a strong association between good eating habits and improved mental health and well-being.
In a study that was recently published, we found that healthy food is less accessible, promoted, and available on six campuses at a large university. The cost of healthy food was also higher than that of unhealthy food. Similar studies found similar results.
In our survey, the majority of students and staff who responded (79%) had purchased food and beverages on campus. Value for money, taste, and food’s nutritional value were the main factors in their food selection. Students and staff suggested that food prices should be increased and healthier alternatives offered.
The universities must create an environment that encourages young adults to make healthier food choices. Students should be encouraged by universities to eat healthier and live a more active lifestyle.
Read more: Want to improve your mood? It’s time to ditch the junk food
A study that looked at trials to improve healthy eating among university students across the US and Europe found effective interventions included increasing the availability of healthy food choices and making healthy food options more prominent.
Five things that universities can do to encourage students to eat healthier
- Healthy food options should be more readily available
According to research, people will eat whatever is available. Modifying the food available to young adults will improve their eating habits.
Some interventions that have proven successful in changing student eating habits include:
No sugary drinks in vending machines
All meals should include self-serve water.
Reduce the size of portions for unhealthy foods. You could offer half-size, mini-size meals, drinks, and snacks or reduce the size of hot chips.
Consumer education about healthy food options
Studies conducted to examine factors influencing dietary behavior changes suggest combining education with an increase in the availability of healthy food.
In our study, we found that staff and students both want to see healthy food available on campus. It also revealed that more nutritious snacks like nuts, fruit cer,eal bars, or muesli were not consumed.
To help consumers make healthier choices, it is important to advertise healthy foods and drinks. This can be done by noting their energy content or adding labels that highlight the better options. In universities, promoting more nutritious choices on menus, tags, and boards while avoiding the promotion of unhealthy items such as sugary drinks or deep-fried food has proven to be effective.
