Ultra-Processed Foods in University Students: Implementing Nutri-Score to Make Healthy Choices

Going to university means that many students assume, for the first time, responsibilities associated with living outside the family group, such as controlling eating habits. A survey was conducted among 161 university students in order to find out their perceptions regarding their type of diet, thei...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Healthcare (Basel) 2022-05, Vol.10 (6), p.984
Main Authors: Fondevila-Gascón, Joan-Francesc, Berbel-Giménez, Gaspar, Vidal-Portés, Eduard, Hurtado-Galarza, Katherine
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Calories
Cereals
Descriptive labeling
Diet
Eating behavior
feeding habits
Food
Health care
healthy eating
Nutri-Score
nutrition labeling
Nutrition research
Obesity
Overweight
Processed foods
Public health
Social networks
Supermarkets
ultra-processed food
University students
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Summary:Going to university means that many students assume, for the first time, responsibilities associated with living outside the family group, such as controlling eating habits. A survey was conducted among 161 university students in order to find out their perceptions regarding their type of diet, their knowledge of nutrition issues, their consumption of ultra-processed foods, and to evaluate the Nutri-Score labeling system as an aid in choosing healthier products. This is a cross-sectional observational study. Participants who have the perception of following a healthy diet show a more adequate BMI, regularly practice sports and read labels (nutritional information, expiration date, and ingredients). In general, the university students surveyed do not read the labels (64%) and find it difficult to identify the degree of wholesomeness of what they consume. Furthermore, they buy products based on the external information on the packaging (72%). The consumption of ultra-processed products, such as alcohol and soft drinks, is higher in those who live outside their family homes. The Nutri-Score labeling system is perceived as an aid for better product choice (89%).
ISSN:2227-9032
2227-9032
DOI:10.3390/healthcare10060984