Body image and eating habits among students at the National Agrarian University of La Molina

Cárdenas-Quintana H.; Carrasco-Reátegui M.P.; Huauya-Leuyacc M.E.; Celi-Torres D.; Delgado-López V.; Ramos-Padilla P. · Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutricion (2026) · DOI: 10.37527/2026.76.3.002

Resumen

Introduction. University life brings about many changes in eating habits. Students are subject to psychological and social factors that can affect their perception of themselves and their body image. Objective. To understand the perception of body image and eating habits among students at the National Agrarian University of La Molina. Materials and Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 345 undergraduate and graduate university students. An online questionnaire was used as the research tool. Sociodemographic characteristics and eating habits were measured, and the Thompson and Gray scale was used to assess body image perception. Results. Since beginning their studies, 47.0% reported an increase in food consumption, 60.6% showed greater interest in nutrition, and 68.4% changed their meal schedules. In addition, 49.3% reported weight gain and 64.1% expressed dissatisfaction with their body image. A marked discrepancy was observed between perceived and desired body image: 44.1% identified themselves as overweight, while 82.9% desired a normal weight. This dissatisfaction was more pronounced in women, whose perceived average was 6.38 compared to a desired average of 4.84, compared to men (5.53 vs. 4.77). Conclusions. The findings show a notable body dissatisfaction among university students, especially women, influenced by sociocultural aesthetic ideals focused on thinness. Although there is a growing interest in nutrition, unhealthy eating habits persist. Arch Latinoam Nutr 2026; 76(3): 173-182.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina