Abstract

Academic years are critical regarding unhealthy changes in eating behavior

Among student and ensuring that student eat well is an important area that needs attention

The result indicated that majority ( 62% ) of the respondent were within the age of 16-20 years and
58% between 21-25 years .

75% were males while 52% were females with majority across the four school livong off campus .

However , findings on dietary patterns revealed that most of the respondent (78% coast , 54% Imap
, with both nsuk and fu lafia having 64 % ) do miss meals stating lack of time as the main factor.

Further more , with awarenesses of balance diet across all institution ( 98% nsuk , 96% Imap , 98%
coast and 96% fu lafia ) 68% student from nsuk and 46% from Imap choose their favorite meal as a
result of nutritional value while 42% from both Coast and Fu lafia choose theirs as a result of taste .

The nutritional status test carried out showed that majority of the students had normal

Body mass index with nsuk having 72% , Imap 64% , while 62% and 52% respectively from COAST
and Fu lafia .

The nutritional status further revealed that 38% and 30% respectively from COAST and Fu lafia
including nsuk 16% and Imap 18% respondent who happen to be overweight

There's need for dietary diversity as student mostly consume cereals and turbers compared to fruit
and vegetables.