ASSESSMENT OF ASSOCIATED DIETARY FACTORS WITH RISK OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG SELECTED STUDENT OF DAVV TAKSHILA CAMPUS

Metabolic syndrome is increasingly affecting young adults due to shifts in dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and stress.This study assessed dietary behaviours, lifestyle patterns, and related metabolic risk among 50 students of DAVV Takshashila Campus.A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on anthropometrics, dietary habits, lifestyle factors, sleep, screen time, stress, and awareness of metabolic syndrome.Results indicated that 42% of students had abnormal BMI, 58% frequently skipped meals, 64% consumed fast food weekly, 70% had insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, and 76% exceeded recommended screen time limits.Sleep deprivation and stress were also common, with 62% sleeping less than 7 hours and 54% reporting moderate-to-high stress.Students with meal skipping, high screen time, fast eating, and low physical activity were more likely to fall into moderate metabolic risk categories.Awareness of metabolic syndrome was low (only 22% had heard of it).The study concludes that unhealthy eating and lifestyle behaviours considerably elevate metabolic risk among university students, and highlights the need for early interventions, nutrition education, and campus-based wellness programs.