University life in the United Arab Emirates brings academic rigor, cultural vibrancy, and bustling campus environments, but it also coincides with shifting dietary habits that pose significant health challenges. A newly published study in Frontiers in Nutrition sheds light on junk food consumption patterns among health sciences students, revealing how socio-demographic factors play a pivotal role in these behaviors. As UAE universities expand and attract diverse student populations, understanding these trends is crucial for fostering healthier campuses and preparing future healthcare professionals to model positive lifestyles.

The transition to higher education often disrupts traditional eating routines, with busy schedules leading many students toward convenient, calorie-dense options like fast food, sugary drinks, and snacks. In the UAE, where rapid urbanization and global food chains abound, this shift is particularly pronounced. This research not only quantifies the extent of the issue but also identifies key predictors, offering actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and wellness programs.

Overview of the Frontiers in Nutrition Study

Conducted at RAK Medical and Health Sciences University in Ras Al Khaimah, the study involved 694 undergraduate students from medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing programs. Researchers Vimala Edwin and colleagues employed a validated semi-structured questionnaire to gauge awareness, frequency, portion sizes, and behavioral preferences related to junk food—defined as high-calorie, low-nutrient items such as fried foods, confectionery, sweetened beverages, savory snacks, and processed meats.

Data collection occurred between September 29 and November 15, 2024, with a response rate of 58%. The tool demonstrated strong reliability (Cronbach’s alpha 0.82 for awareness, 0.79 for consumption). Participants, averaging 20.3 years old, were predominantly female (72.1%) and lived with parents (67.5%), reflecting typical UAE student demographics. Weekly junk food spending exceeded 40 AED for one-third, highlighting accessibility.

This cross-sectional design provides a snapshot of habits during a formative period, emphasizing the irony for health sciences students who should champion nutrition yet mirror general population risks.

Awareness Levels: Knowledge Gap Exposed

Despite education in health fields, awareness of junk food hazards varied. Over 90% recognized risks in pizza (91.4%), bakery products (90.1%), and fried chicken (89.9%), with chips (88.7%) and chocolates (85.3%) close behind. However, beverages lagged: only 61% knew energy drink dangers, and 65.9% for sweetened fruit drinks.

• Females scored higher on awareness (11.77 vs. 11.12 for males, p=0.038).
• No significant differences by family type, living status, or academic year.

This discrepancy suggests targeted education on lesser-known items like beverages could bridge the gap, especially as UAE campuses increasingly stock these for convenience.

Consumption Patterns: Moderate but Persistent

Frequency was assessed on a 4-point scale (mostly/often/sometimes/never). Tea (63.4% mostly/often), coffee (61.4%), soft drinks (55.1%), chocolates (60%), and chips (58.7%) topped the list, alongside fried chicken and French fries. Lower rates for energy drinks, donuts, sausages, and Chinese food.

Total consumption scores were higher among females (28.39 vs. 26.23, p=0.012) and Year 2 students (31.03, p<0.001). Higher weekly spending correlated strongly (p=0.001). Between-meal snacking was common (females p<0.001, Year 3 p=0.002), often at campus cafeterias.

These patterns indicate convenience drives intake, with beverages and snacks dominating despite awareness.

Socio-Demographic Correlates: Who Consumes More?

Regression analysis pinpointed predictors of BMI: age (B=0.322, p<0.0001), gender (females lower BMI, B=-2.074, p<0.0001), self-rated health (better health lower BMI, B=-0.793, p<0.0001), and portion size (larger higher BMI, B=0.909, p<0.0001).

• Gender: Females ate more between meals and at cafeterias (p=0.012), males larger portions.
• Academic Year: Year 3 reported largest portions (p=0.0198) and increasing habits (p=0.004).
• Expenditure: Higher spenders had elevated consumption.

These factors underscore tailored interventions, like portion control for males and stress-eating programs for females.

Photo by Tsimur Asayonak on Unsplash

Gender and Academic Year Variations

Females, comprising 72% of the sample, showed nuanced behaviors: higher overall consumption despite better awareness, possibly due to stress or social eating. Males opted for bigger portions, linking to higher BMI risks.

Year 2 peaked in consumption, perhaps from adjustment stresses post-freshman year. Year 3 students snacked more as meals, signaling habit entrenchment. These transitions highlight critical windows for intervention.

In UAE's diverse unis like UAEU or Zayed University, similar patterns likely exist across programs.

Obesity Context Among UAE University Students

UAE faces escalating obesity: 44.2% adult women, 30.9% men obese. Among youth, rates rise linearly, with Middle East projected as obesity capital by 2050 (>70% overweight youth in UAE/Saudi/Kuwait). Female UAE students show 17.4% overweight, 11.9% obese; fast foods like shawarma strongly correlate (OR=2.09 obesity).

Campus life exacerbates: limited healthy options, marketing, sedentary study. For health students, poor habits undermine credibility.

Contributing Factors in UAE Campuses

Busy schedules, exam stress, and cafeteria fast food availability drive intake. UAE's food transition—Western chains proliferation—compounds issues. Online delivery surges snacking; high spending (33% >40 AED/week) reflects affordability.

Cultural shifts: nuclear families (60.9%) mean less home cooking; hostels (17%) limit options. Self-rated health influences: poorer ratings link higher BMI.

UAE University Initiatives for Healthier Eating

UAE unis respond: Zayed University launched MSc Human Nutrition (2025) tackling obesity. UAEU surveys student diets, promoting breakfast/exercise. National efforts: school junk bans extend influence; Abu Dhabi ad bans (2026), no deliveries during hours.

Campuses could emulate: healthy cafeteria menus, nutrition workshops, apps tracking habits. Tie to faculty positions in nutrition.

Health Implications for Future Professionals

Junk food links obesity, diabetes, heart disease—ironic for health students. Poor modeling erodes trust; BMI predictors signal early intervention need. Long-term: UAE NCD burden rises, demanding proactive unis.

Photo by Orkun Orcan on Unsplash

Recommendations and Actionable Insights

• Integrate nutrition modules, focusing beverages.
• Portion guidelines, healthy vending.
• Gender/year-specific counseling (e.g., female stress-eating).
• Track spending via apps, promote home meals.
• Collaborate industry for healthy options.

Students: check labels, balance plates. Unis: wellness policies. Explore UAE academic jobs in health promotion.

Future Outlook and Research Directions

Longitudinal studies needed for causality. Multi-uni scope, including non-health programs. Interventions evaluation key. UAE's vision: healthier youth via education. As higher ed jobs grow, nutrition roles vital. Rate your professors on wellness focus; check career advice.