Food Behavior and Lifestyle Among Students: The Influence of the University Environment

A key element for a healthy lifestyle in the formative years of a young adult is a balanced, healthy, individualized diet. The aim of this study was to analyze the eating behavior and lifestyles of students at a university in Romania, as well as the extent to which the study program interferes with these factors. A retrospective study was performed, with the data being collected through an online questionnaire via the Google Forms platform; data collection for the current study was carried out in November 2024 during a student session. Out of the total of 501 questionnaires collected, 416 were completed by women and 85 by men. It can be observed that 57.65% of men (49 participants) eat three meals a day compared to 53.13% of women (221 participants). The university program influenced the students' meal schedules for 59.88% ( = 300) of participants, while 30.94% ( = 155) declared that they never have an ordered meal schedule. For 39.92% of students, the exam period has an influence on the meal schedule, including an increase the intake of sweet foods (59.88%), and some declared that they forget to eat (33.93%). The food and lifestyle behaviors in the studied group show health risk elements, especially an increase in tobacco consumption, a lack of regular meal schedules, and the consumption of an excess of unhealthy snacks. It was found that intensive study schedules may intensify this behavior.