Author(s): Sonali Sharma and Sunita Kumari

Abstract:
Poor eating habits are a major public health concern for college students. Nutrition plays an important role in the health of people of all ages, particularly adolescents, and it contributes to an efficient and healthy ageing process. In India, urbanization and other factors have led to a significant shift in the dietary habits of college students and especially adult girls, with many still falling into the adult age group and engaging in unhealthy habits like meal skipping, eating away from home, snacking, and fast-food consumption. Obesity and health status during adulthood are mostly determined by lifestyle factors such as eating habits, nutrition status, a healthy diet, and regular breakfast consumption. Breakfast is regarded as an essential measure of health condition, and individuals who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight or obese. According to this studies, skipping breakfast increases the risk of obesity, anemia, fatigue, digestive disorders, and menstrual irregularities. Other factors that contribute to college students adopting bad eating routines include social settings and strong academic obligations, which cause them to change their sleep limitations and sleep wake cycle, as well as frequently skipping breakfast. At college, students' eating choices and habits contribute to weight gain and other long-term difficulties. According to WHO data, lifestyle and nutritional factors account for around 80% of previously stated chronic diseases. The transition from high school to college as an adult leads to increased decision-making and influences the development of health behaviour patterns that will be carried over in to later life. In this sense, the formation of bad dietary habits in the college time period is more likely to continue later, which may lead to persons becoming fat or overweight and developing chronic health disorders.