Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Young Adults
Summary
Dietary behaviours in young adults encompass the selection, frequency and context of food consumption during a critical life stage marked by independence, identity formation and fluctuating resources. Patterns range from traditional, plant-rich models to convenience-driven, ultra-processed diets. These behaviours interact with physiological needs, psychosocial influences and wider food environments, shaping risks of both overnutrition and undernutrition. Emerging evidence links diet quality in early adulthood to long-term cardiometabolic health, mental wellbeing and academic performance. Nutrient deficiencies—particularly in vitamins D and B9, iron and essential fatty acids—coexist with the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity, underscoring a dual burden. Concurrently, young adults’ food choices bear environmental footprints, with high greenhouse gas emissions associated with meat-centric patterns. Understanding the diversity of eating behaviours in this age group is essential for global health strategies and sustainable food policies that promote nutrient adequacy, mental resilience and planetary health.
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Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Young Adults publication trend
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Technical terms
Dietary pattern: A combination of foods and beverages habitually consumed, reflecting overall diet quality.
Food frequency questionnaire: A structured survey instrument that assesses the frequency of consumption of various food items over a defined time frame.
Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE): The quantity of carbon dioxide equivalent released into the atmosphere as a result of food production and consumption.
Nutrient density: The ratio of essential vitamins and minerals to total energy content in a given diet.
Malnutrition: A clinical state arising from inadequate or imbalanced nutrient intake, encompassing both undernutrition and overnutrition.
References
- Identification of three dietary groups in French university students and their associations with nutritional quality and environmental impact. Frontiers in Nutrition (2023).
- Factors That Most Influence the Choice for Fast Food in a Sample of Higher Education Students in Portugal. Nutrients (2024).
- Addressing nutritional issues and eating behaviours among university students: a narrative review.. Nutrition Research Reviews (2024).
- Associations between Dietary Intake and Academic Achievement in College Students: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (2017).
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