Relationship between educational level and the adoption of healthy eating practices among university students

Abstract

Healthy eating constitutes a fundamental component of the overall well-being of university students, affecting not only their physical health but also their cognitive and emotional development during a period marked by significant changes in routines, autonomy, and lifestyles, which directly influence their nutritional choices. Although economic and cultural factors shape food selection, evidence indicates that educational level and training in health-related knowledge play a decisive role in the adoption of balanced dietary practices. The university serves as a strategic environment for promoting healthy habits by enhancing cognitive skills, critical thinking, and informed decision-making abilities, thereby allowing the identification of determinants that foster healthy lifestyles and the design of effective pedagogical interventions. Despite increasing access to nutritional information, many students continue to maintain inadequate eating habits, reflecting a gap between acquired knowledge and its practical application, which heightens the risk of overweight and diet-related illnesses. This study, conducted through a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, demonstrates that higher educational attainment is associated with conscious meal planning, reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods, and sustained adoption of healthy eating behaviours, emphasising the role of higher education in strengthening competencies and promoting responsible and sustainable nutritional choices.