Researchers studied 404 college students in Ecuador to understand how their eating habits and where they’re from affect their body composition and heart health. They found that almost all students (78%) ate poorly, with very few eating nutritious diets. Students who ate high-fat diets had higher blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Interestingly, where students were born in Ecuador also mattered—students from mountain regions had different body fat patterns than those from coastal areas. The study suggests that colleges need to teach students about healthy eating while considering their cultural backgrounds and regional differences.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How the food college students eat, their background (like where they’re from), and their body composition (muscle, fat, and measurements) are all connected
  • Who participated: 404 college students from two universities in Ecuador, studied through interviews and food diaries
  • Key finding: Only 2% of students ate healthy, balanced diets. Students eating high-fat diets had higher blood pressure and triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). Where students were born affected their body fat levels.
  • What it means for you: If you’re a college student, paying attention to how much fat you eat may help keep your blood pressure and cholesterol healthy. Schools should teach nutrition in ways that respect different cultural food traditions.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers looked at a group of people at one point in time rather than following them over months or years. Researchers recruited 404 students from two Ecuadorian universities using a method that ensured they had a good mix of different types of students. They collected information through face-to-face interviews, asked students to recall everything they ate in the past 24 hours, and gave them questionnaires about their typical eating patterns. They also measured students’ height, weight, and body measurements, and took blood samples to check cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The researchers then used statistical tests to see if patterns in eating habits matched up with differences in body measurements and blood work, looking separately at results for men and women.

This research approach is important because it captures real-world eating habits and health information from actual college students in their natural setting. By looking at both diet and sociodemographic factors (like where students are from), the researchers could identify patterns that might be missed if they only looked at diet alone. Separating results by sex was important because men and women sometimes respond differently to dietary changes.

This study has several strengths: it used a reasonably large sample size (404 students), collected detailed dietary information through multiple methods, and included actual body measurements and blood tests rather than just self-reported health. However, because it’s a cross-sectional study, it shows relationships between factors but cannot prove that diet directly causes the health changes observed. The study was conducted in Ecuador, so results may not apply equally to students in other countries with different food cultures.

What the Results Show

The most striking finding was that nearly all students ate poorly: only 2% maintained a nutrient-rich diet while over 78% had nutrient-poor eating patterns. This means most students weren’t getting enough vitamins, minerals, and healthy foods. Among female students, those who ate more fat had significantly higher triglyceride levels in their blood (a sign of unhealthy cholesterol patterns). Interestingly, female students who ate nutrient-rich diets had lower systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading), which is a positive sign for heart health. Among male students, high-fat diets were linked to both higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure (both numbers in a blood pressure reading), suggesting that diet affects men’s heart health in this way.

The study also found that geography mattered. Male students born in Ecuador’s Highland region had significantly higher body fat percentages and larger hip measurements compared to men from the Coastal region. There was also a trend suggesting that where a student’s father was from affected their muscle mass percentage, though this pattern was less clear. These findings suggest that regional and cultural factors, possibly including traditional foods and activity levels, influence body composition.

These findings align with previous research showing that high-fat diets increase blood pressure and cholesterol problems in young adults. The connection between diet quality and cardiovascular health markers is well-established in nutrition science. However, this study adds important information by showing how regional and cultural backgrounds interact with diet to affect health—something that isn’t always emphasized in nutrition research. The very high percentage of students eating poorly (78%) is consistent with other studies of university students showing that college years are a time when eating habits often become less healthy.

Because this study looked at students at only one point in time, we cannot say whether poor diet caused the health problems or if other factors were involved. The study only included students from two specific universities in Ecuador, so results may not apply to college students in other countries or regions. The researchers relied on students remembering what they ate in the past 24 hours, which can be inaccurate. Additionally, the study didn’t measure physical activity levels, which also affect body composition and heart health, so we can’t separate the effects of diet from exercise.

The Bottom Line

College students should aim to reduce high-fat foods and eat more nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This appears to help maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Schools should offer nutrition education that respects and incorporates students’ cultural food traditions rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Moderate confidence: These findings are based on one study in a specific population, so individual results may vary.

College students should care about these findings, especially those concerned about heart health or managing their weight. Parents of college students may want to discuss nutrition with their children. University administrators and health centers should use these findings to design better nutrition education programs. People from similar cultural and regional backgrounds to the study participants may find these results particularly relevant. This research is less directly applicable to non-college-age populations or people in very different food environments.

Changes in blood pressure from improved diet can happen within weeks to a few months. Changes in body composition (muscle and fat) typically take 2-3 months of consistent healthy eating and physical activity to become noticeable. Long-term cardiovascular benefits from sustained healthy eating develop over months to years.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Log daily fat intake in grams and track systolic blood pressure weekly. Set a goal to reduce fat intake by 10-15% each week while increasing servings of fruits and vegetables. Monitor changes in energy levels and how clothes fit as indirect measures of body composition changes.
  • Use the app to plan meals that are lower in fat but still satisfying and culturally appropriate. Create a personal recipe collection of healthy versions of traditional foods. Set reminders to drink water instead of sugary drinks, and track how many servings of vegetables you eat daily.
  • Track dietary patterns weekly rather than daily to identify which meals or snacks are highest in fat. Monitor blood pressure monthly if available. Take body measurements (waist, hip, chest) monthly rather than relying only on weight. Use the app to identify trends over 8-12 weeks to see if dietary improvements correlate with better blood pressure or feeling healthier.

This research shows associations between diet and health markers in college students but does not prove that diet changes will produce the same results in all individuals. Results are based on a study of Ecuadorian university students and may not apply equally to other populations. Before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. If you experience symptoms like chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or unusual blood pressure readings, seek immediate medical attention.