EATING BEHAVIOR AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG BRAZILIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The objective of this study was to conduct a literature review in order to answer the following question: what is the situation of university students regarding eating behavior and physical activity levels? This is an integrative review based on databases linked to Scielo, Portal Capes, and LILACS, using the descriptors: eating behavior, physical activity, student, and university. Articles published between 2015 and 2020 were selected from September to November 2020. The inclusion criteria were: original research articles; complete and freely available for reading/analysis; written in Portuguese, Spanish, or English; and addressing eating habits and physical activity levels among university students. A total of nine articles were selected. The review identified inadequate eating habits within the university context and their predisposing factors and repercussions; patterns of physical activity; the influence of socioeconomic conditions, gender, and type of academic program; as well as the impact of knowledge on eating habits and physical activity. Based on these findings, the study proposes the implementation of nutritional guidance campaigns, the availability of healthy food options in university cafeterias, the creation of easily accessible sports facilities on campus, and the promotion of sports practice as part of the academic curriculum.