Abstract:

Introduction: University entrance causes changes in the lifestyle of society and induces changes in eating habits with repercussions on quality of life and health of students. Objective: To evaluate the consumption of ultra-processed foods and nutritional status of undergraduate nutrition students. Materials and Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study, conducted by applying the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Results: The sample consisted of 145 nutrition students, with a mean age of 23.30 ± 4.70. Females had a higher prevalence (85%). Information on nutritional status revealed that 27.6% of participants were overweight and obese. Regarding the consumption of ultra-processed foods, the prevalence of consumption of sausage, sausage, bacon/bacon and mortadella was identified. Consumption of mayonnaise, chips, pizza, candies, lollipops and chewing gum were also common. Conclusion: Although these are future professionals with knowledge of nutritional science, this study concludes that undergraduate nutrition students have inadequate eating habits, contrary to the prospects of adherence to a healthy lifestyle. Thus, it is necessary to establish discussions about this theme and the importance of introducing the knowledge acquired in daily life and food self-care.

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