Stress, Diet, and Well-Being: An Interdisciplinary Study of Mental Health and Well-Being in University Students
Psychological stress among university students represents an increasingly significant public health issue. This stress affects multiple interconnected systems: mental health, eating behaviors, appetite regulation, and metabolic processes. Understanding these connections is essential for developing comprehensive approaches to student well-being. When students experience chronic stress, their bodies release glucocorticoids, which trigger a cascade of physiological changes. These hormonal shifts can suppress appetite, disrupt nutrient metabolism, reduce insulin sensitivity, and promote the accumulation of visceral fat. Together, these effects elevate the risk of obesity and related metabolic disorders. This study explores how psychological stress, eating behaviors, and nutritional status interact in university students. It considers the prevalence of stress-related nutritional issues, identifies whether these effects differ between genders, and explains the biological and behavioral mechanisms at work. The goal is to provide evidence-based insights that can inform mental health interventions and strategies to support student well-being.