Eighth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

Developing nations are experiencing a shift from underweight to overweight as diets come to resemble more closely to those of affluent countries. Bangladesh, a low-income country, is potentially vulnerable to an advancing wave of overweight/obesity due to the high prevalence of overweight/obesity in younger age groups. Tertiary level students, a younger age group, who are essential to country’s continued social and economic progress, prefer fast food over the traditional meal which is a great public health concern. Although researchers widely discussed the prevalence of overweight/obesity and food consumption patterns, there is insufficient understanding of students’ food experience, food-related skills, and attitudes. For the purpose of obtaining a full-fledged understanding of food-related issues, this qualitative study explores how students manage their food after transitioning to independent living, in the context of food literacy. The purpose of this paper is to offer several insights about components of food literacy that are significant to address key food problems of tertiary level students. The paper specifically explores the attributes of food literacy that need to be acquired by students to improve their diet and lifestyle. It also collects ideas from students to find out the preferable sources of acquiring food skills. The findings show that food literacy can aid in coping with life challenges and avoiding diet-related health risks. The study encourages the inclusion of components of food literacy in interventions for the development of effective and tailored programs targeted at dealing with the shift from underweight to overweight in developing countries.