Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the lifestyle and dietary habit changes among students enrolled in the Nutrition and Dietetics program at the George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș. Specifically, we examined the influence of academic progression on stress levels, dietary choices, purchasing habits, and physical activity.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based pilot study was conducted among 55 Nutrition and Dietetics students across different academic years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and stress levels. The responses were analyzed for trends across academic years and body mass index categories, with statistical comparisons performed to determine significant differences.
Results: Final-year students demonstrated healthier dietary habits, increased water consumption, and more fruit and vegetable intake compared to their younger peers, while also exhibiting higher stress levels. Differences in nutritional behaviors were also observed based on BMI categories, with normal-weight students more likely to adopt healthier eating patterns. An overall increased dietary awareness was observed, which was correlated with the accumulated nutritional knowledge.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that formal education in nutrition plays a significant role in shaping healthier behavior. However, challenges remain regarding stress management, physical activity, and unhealthy dietary habits. Targeted interventions and institutional policies may be beneficial in supporting sustainable lifestyle changes among students.