Researchers studied eating habits and weight problems among 8,482 college students across 15 countries. They found that only about 6 out of 10 students maintained a healthy weight. The study discovered that eating fruit regularly, having three meals a day, and taking supplements helped students stay at a healthy weight. Surprisingly, older students (ages 21-30) were more likely to be overweight than younger ones. The research suggests that college students need better nutrition education and support to develop healthier eating habits and manage their weight effectively.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How eating habits and daily routines affect whether college students are underweight, at a healthy weight, or overweight
  • Who participated: 8,482 college students from 15 different countries, ranging from ages 16-30, who answered questions about their eating habits and health
  • Key finding: Less than 6 out of 10 college students (58.8%) had a healthy weight. Students who ate fruit regularly and had three meals a day were less likely to be overweight, while those who ate white meat frequently were more likely to gain weight
  • What it means for you: If you’re a college student, eating regular meals, including more fruits, and considering supplements may help you maintain a healthier weight. However, this study shows patterns but doesn’t prove these foods directly cause weight changes

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers collected information from college students at one point in time (November 2022 to February 2023) rather than following them over months or years. Students from 15 countries answered an online survey in English or Arabic about their eating habits, daily routines, and health conditions. The researchers then used statistical tools to identify which eating patterns and habits were connected to weight problems.

The study included students of different ages (16-30 years old) and from various countries, which helps show whether these patterns are similar worldwide. Researchers asked about specific foods (fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat), meal frequency, supplement use, exercise habits, and whether students had any health conditions like diabetes or depression.

This approach is useful because it captures real-world eating patterns across many countries at once, showing whether weight problems among college students are a global issue. By studying many students together, researchers could identify common patterns that might help create better nutrition programs for this age group. The large sample size (over 8,000 students) makes the findings more reliable than studying just a few people.

Strengths: The study included a large number of participants from multiple countries, making results more generalizable. Weaknesses: The study relied on students self-reporting their eating habits, which may not be completely accurate. The cross-sectional design shows relationships but cannot prove that specific foods cause weight gain or loss. The study was conducted online, which may have excluded students without internet access. Results are based on what students remember eating, which can be unreliable.

What the Results Show

The study found that only 58.8% of college students maintained a healthy weight, meaning about 4 out of 10 students were either underweight or overweight. Older students (ages 21-25 and 26-30) were significantly more likely to be overweight compared to younger students (ages 16-20). Students who did not take supplements were more likely to be overweight, and those who frequently ate white meat (5-7 times per week) had higher rates of overweight and obesity.

On the positive side, students who ate fruit regularly (2-4 times per week) were less likely to be overweight. Even more importantly, students who ate three meals per day had much lower rates of overweight and obesity compared to those who skipped meals. This suggests that regular meal patterns may be protective against weight gain.

For underweight students, the patterns were different. Female students were less likely to be underweight than male students. Interestingly, students living with family members had higher rates of being underweight. Eating more white meat and fruit appeared to protect against being underweight, while eating lots of dairy products, cereals, and starchy vegetables (like potatoes) increased underweight risk.

An unexpected finding was that students without diabetes or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia) actually had higher rates of being overweight. This seems counterintuitive but may reflect that these health conditions weren’t yet developed in younger, overweight students. Students who exercised regularly and those without depression were less likely to be underweight. The study also noted that many college students consumed sugary foods frequently and spent too much time on screens while eating, both of which are concerning habits.

This study aligns with previous research showing that college students often struggle with weight management due to lifestyle changes, stress, and limited access to healthy foods. The finding that regular meal patterns protect against weight gain supports existing nutrition science. However, the specific finding about white meat consumption increasing overweight risk differs from some previous studies and may reflect regional dietary patterns or how white meat was prepared in different countries.

The study has several important limitations. First, all information came from students’ memories and self-reports, which can be inaccurate—people often forget what they ate or underestimate portion sizes. Second, the study only captured one moment in time, so we cannot determine if eating habits caused weight changes or if weight status influenced eating habits. Third, the online survey method may have excluded students without reliable internet access. Fourth, the study cannot account for all factors affecting weight, such as genetics, stress levels, sleep quality, or medication use. Finally, cultural differences in how students report eating habits across 15 countries could affect results.

The Bottom Line

College students should aim to: (1) Eat three regular meals per day rather than skipping meals—this appears to be one of the most protective factors (moderate confidence); (2) Include fruit in their diet at least 2-4 times per week (moderate confidence); (3) Consider taking a multivitamin supplement, as supplement users had lower overweight rates (low to moderate confidence); (4) Be mindful of white meat consumption frequency and preparation methods (low to moderate confidence); (5) Engage in regular physical activity and manage stress, as these were linked to healthier weights (moderate confidence). These recommendations should be combined with overall healthy lifestyle habits and medical advice from healthcare providers.

College students and young adults (ages 16-30) should pay attention to these findings, especially those concerned about their weight or developing healthy habits. Parents and college health centers should care about these results, as they suggest widespread weight management issues among students. Nutrition educators and college wellness programs should use these findings to develop targeted interventions. However, individuals with specific medical conditions, eating disorders, or those taking medications that affect weight should consult healthcare providers rather than relying solely on these general recommendations.

Changes in eating patterns typically take 2-4 weeks to become habits. You might notice improved energy levels within 1-2 weeks of eating regular meals. Weight changes usually become visible after 4-8 weeks of consistent healthy eating and exercise, though this varies greatly by individual. Mental health benefits like improved mood and focus may appear within 2-3 weeks.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily meal frequency (aim for 3 meals per day), fruit servings (goal: 2-4 times per week), and weekly exercise sessions. Use the app to log what time you eat meals and whether you’re eating three distinct meals or grazing throughout the day.
  • Set a reminder to eat three meals at consistent times each day. Use the app to plan fruit intake for the week and track when you consume it. Log supplement use daily if you take vitamins. Monitor white meat consumption and try to balance it with other protein sources like fish, beans, or plant-based options.
  • Weekly check-ins on meal regularity and fruit consumption. Monthly tracking of weight and energy levels. Quarterly assessment of overall eating patterns and comparison to previous months. Use the app’s trend feature to identify which habits correlate with feeling your best and maintaining a healthy weight.

This research shows associations between eating habits and weight status but does not prove that specific foods directly cause weight changes. Individual results vary based on genetics, metabolism, medical conditions, and other lifestyle factors. College students concerned about their weight should consult with a healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or campus health center before making significant dietary changes. This study is observational and based on self-reported data, so results should be interpreted with appropriate caution. If you have a history of eating disorders, diabetes, or other medical conditions, seek professional medical advice before implementing dietary changes.