Changes in Dietary Patterns and Environmental Footprints Among University Students: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Environmental Science
• Public Health

Background:

• University environments often promote unhealthy eating habits among students.
• Universities have a key role in promoting student health and environmental sustainability through food options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze temporal changes in university students' dietary patterns and their environmental footprints.
• To identify trends in diet quality and adherence to healthy eating guidelines over 16 years.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of dietary patterns and environmental footprints.
• Data collected from 1684 students at the University of Rijeka, Croatia, across three cross-sectional studies (2009-2025).

Main Results:

• A significant shift towards less sustainable diets, increased animal-based food consumption, and proinflammatory eating habits observed.
• Declined adherence to Mediterranean and Planetary Health Diet, alongside increased overweight/obesity prevalence.
• Increased consumption of most food groups led to higher water and ecological footprints; gender, diet quality, and proinflammatory diet predicted environmental footprints.

Conclusions:

• Systemic changes are needed at universities to support sustainable eating behaviors.
• Findings provide insights for policymakers, educators, and researchers to foster health-conscious and environmentally responsible consumers.
• Further research is required on factors influencing dietary choices and the impact of institutional interventions.