Less than one fifth of students regularly eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day, research has found. A Bupa infographic, featuring statistics from a study of UK university students, also revealed that, shockingly, over one third (36%) eat LESS than two portions each day.
Exercise rates were similarly disappointing- despite their age and the activities available, only half said they manage over an hour of exercise each week.
The more active students pushed the average weekly exercise to a slightly more healthy 80 minutes each week.
The study also looked in depth at the mental health issues suffered by students in what is, for some, their first big step into independence- a fifth have experienced depression within the last year, while 40% would appreciate the opportunity to talk to someone about issues they are facing in their life.
Female students are more likely to want to talk to a peer or expert about their issues- 44% admitted it would be useful, while only 35% of men said the same.
The findings, displayed in an infographic by healthcare specialists Bupa, revealed the sorry state of student health in line with a student health expenses plan, designed to help students tackle the cost of healthcare.
Cost of healthcare is clearly off-putting for many students- two fifths said they would have to call up mum or dad is they picked up a £50 bill at the dentists.
In fact, over a third claimed they would have to give up books, clothing or worse, a night-out if they needed £50 for a pair of glasses.
The study also revealed that a surprising half of students have had an eye test since starting university; although an unhygienic third haven't been to the dentist since their course began.
