Abstract
Vending machines (VMs) have been identified as an obesogenic factor, offering mainly energy-dense and nutrient-poor foods, with limited healthy options available. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess consumption trends and attitude toward vending machine (VM) foods in a university setting. A web-based survey was conducted among 1250 students and staff. Most participants reported weight gain (43.4%) and poorer food choices (53.4%) since joining the university. Participants described VM foods as expensive (53.7%) and lacking variety (34.3%). Over 81% demanded the availability of healthier options. About 75% of participants were VMs users. The most frequently purchased VM items were water, chocolate, and chips. Males reported consuming nuts, soda, iced tea, and energy drinks more frequently than females (p < 0.005). The main reasons for using the VM were hunger and lack of time. Over 40% nominated fresh fruits, baked chips, sandwiches, and dry roasted nuts to be provided in the VMs as healthier food options. Males and those responsible for buying their own food were more likely to select healthier options (p = 0.001). Findings can be used to inform stakeholders of current vending behaviors and to plan tailored interventions to improve the nutritional quality of vended items and promote healthier food choices.
Highlights
Obesity has tripled since 1975 [1], and data in 2016 showed that 39% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight, and 13% were obese [2]
The results suggested that more than half of the participants relied on family members for food preparation, and lack of cooking skills has previously been suggested as a barrier to conducting healthy shopping and making healthful food choices [24]
A recent systematic review of weight change among college students suggested that approximately 30% of them gained more than 4 kg [25]
Summary
Obesity has tripled since 1975 [1], and data in 2016 showed that 39% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight, and 13% were obese [2]. Emirates (UAE), overweight and obesity have risen dramatically over the past decade [3]. Obesity is considered a major health problem in the UAE community and it is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, musculoskeletal disorders, and some cancers [4]. A recent study among university students in the UAE revealed that over one-third of students were classified as overweight or obese and 6.8% had metabolic syndrome [5]. The food environment of universities was recognized by the World Health Organization as an important health-promotion setting [7]. It has an influence on faculty, staff, and students, who are young adults during a critical transitional and developmental phase
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