THE IMPACT OF BREAKFAST AND DIETARY PATTERNS ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

University life presents unique challenges that significantly impact students' dietary habits, often leading to unhealthy eating patterns due to academic stress, irregular schedules, limited budgets, and social pressures. This review examines the critical role of nutrition, particularly breakfast consumption, in supporting the physical, mental, and academic well-being of university students. Proper nutrition is essential for cognitive function, energy levels, and immune health, all of which are vital for academic success. Breakfast, recognized as a key meal, restores glucose levels, enhances cognitive processes like memory and attention, and contributes to overall diet quality. Skipping breakfast is linked to impaired cognitive performance, reduced attention, and increased fatigue, negatively affecting academic outcomes. Additionally, poor dietary habits are associated with heightened risks of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, and chronic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Socioeconomic factors, cultural backgrounds, and the university environment further shape eating behaviors, with food insecurity and peer influences playing significant roles. This review synthesizes evidence from diverse studies to highlight the interplay between diet and student well-being, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Educational programs, campus food environment modifications, policy changes, and digital tools are proposed to promote healthier eating habits. By fostering a supportive environment, universities can empower students to make informed food choices, enhancing their health and academic performance.