Title : Consumption patterns of processed foods and associated health and lifestyle factors among college students: A survey-based study
Abstract:
The increasing incorporation of ultra-processed foods into daily diets has raised concerns regarding their impact on health, particularly among young adults. This study assessed processed food consumption patterns and their association with self-reported health and lifestyle indicators among college students.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 185 college students using a structured questionnaire incorporating a food frequency component and self-reported morbidity indicators. The study assessed the intake of commonly consumed processed foods in the Indian context, including packaged snacks, fast foods, and sugary beverages.
A total of 57.3% of participants reported consuming processed snack foods such as biscuits at least once per week, while 27.0% reported high-frequency consumption (≥2–4 times/week). Approximately 10% of students reported daily or near-daily intake. Higher consumption patterns were more frequently observed among students residing in hostels or paying guest accommodations. Despite high awareness of potential health risks, frequent consumption persisted, primarily driven by convenience and time constraints.
Regarding health outcomes, 59.5% of participants reported experiencing fatigue at least sometimes, with a higher prevalence observed among students with greater processed food intake. Similar patterns were noted for sleep disturbances and frequent hunger cravings, indicating clustering of functional health symptoms with higher consumption levels.
Most participants expressed willingness to reduce intake, with improved availability of healthier food options identified as the primary enabling factor.
Limitation: The study is based on self-reported data and a cross-sectional design, limiting causal inference.
Conclusion: Processed food consumption among college students is frequent and behaviourally entrenched, with approximately one-third of students demonstrating high intake. The association between higher consumption and self-reported fatigue and related symptoms highlights the need for structural interventions targeting food environments within educational settings.
Keywords: Ultra-Processed Foods, College Students, Dietary Patterns, Self-Reported Health, India.
