Dietary Habit Changes in Preclinical Medical Students

Background Dietary habits are essential to health and significant contributors to multiple chronic health conditions, including diabetes and hypertension. Medical students represent a unique population that is learning the obstacles predisposing their future patients to poor dietary habits, while also facing many of the same obstacles themselves. This study focused on preclinical medical students' dietary habits before and after starting medical school. Methodology In this study, data were collected through an online survey instrument sent to all medical students at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Results Responses revealed a decline in meal regularity, balanced meal structures, and food access since the start of medical school. Further, students reported time and cost as key obstacles hindering healthy dietary habits. Despite this decline in healthy dietary habits, our respondents believed that their dietary habits did not change for the worse. The lack of awareness of their dietary changes exemplifies the difficulty of assessing a healthy diet. Conclusions These results indicate places where medical schools can support their students, specifically by providing healthy lunches and snack options, and streamlining access to information about school and community food resources. Further, integrating educational initiatives encourages healthy eating habits, provides meal prep-friendly and affordable recipes, and connects students to existing financial resources. Facilitating healthy dietary practices in medical students not only aids this vulnerable population but also contributes to better dietary advice for the future patients these students will provide for.