Many students often have poor dietary habits, characterised by inadequate nutrient intake and a high consumption of unhealthy foods. These poor dietary and sedentary patterns contribute to distress. Healthier dietary patterns are associated with greater resilience. Some research suggests first-year female students experienced significant weight gain, increased waist circumference, and body fat. All students exceeded the recommended intake for saturated fat, sugar, and sodium.
Gallo, L.A., Gallo, T.F., Young, S.L., Moritz, K.M., Akison, L.K., The Impact of Isolation Measures Due to COVID-19 on Energy Intake and Physical Activity Levels in Australian University Students, Nutrients, 2020. (link)
Whatnall, M.C., Patterson, A.J., Siew, Y.Y., Kay-Lambkin, F., Hutchesson, M.J., Are Psychological Distress and Resilience Associated with Dietary Intake Among Australian University Students? Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019. (link)
Wilson, O. W. A., Walters, S. R., Naylor, M. E., & Clarke, J. C, Changes in Physical Activity and Motives following the Transition from High School to University. International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education, 2021. (link)