Dietary Behaviors Among College Students
Abstract
Research states that college students do not meet dietary recommendations, specifically in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Failure to meet dietary recommendations results in diets lacking essential nutrients. Additionally, these diets can increase the risk of developing obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
The objectives of this study were to compare college students’ dietary habits in 2013 to 2003 and to compare dietary habits between health and non-health majors in 2013. A Dietary Variety Questionnaire (DVQ) was distributed to collect information on food frequency, gender, Body Mass Index, and living arrangements.
Results indicated significant differences in dairy, protein, and vegetables between years. Results also showed no dietary differences existed between health and non-health majors in 2013. In summary, college students have improved their dietary habits; however, students within health majors do not necessarily practice better dietary habits than students from other disciplines.