Food Vulnerability in Future Sports and Health Professionals Versus Other University Degrees: Impact by Sex, Migration Stress and Regional Environment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29105/rce-fod.v21i2.187Keywords:
Eating risk behaviors, university students, migratory stress, academic illusion, feeding behaviorAbstract
This study examined food vulnerability among 202 Mexican university students (mean age 23.1), comparing those in sports and health sciences against other degrees while assessing sex, migratory stress, and regional factors. Using the CARME questionnaire, dimensions such as external eating and emotional eating were analyzed. Findings confirmed an "academic illusion": no significant differences in risk behaviors were found based on the field of study (p > .05), suggesting that specialized knowledge does not deter unhealthy habits. Nevertheless, a significant interaction between sex and migratory status emerged; migrant women exhibited higher impulsivity and emotional eating (Factors 1 and 4) linked to adaptive stress. Furthermore, living in Northern Mexico was associated with higher caloric intake. We conclude that migratory stress and environmental factors are stronger predictors of food vulnerability than academic background. These results highlight the urgency of implementing gender-sensitive preventive interventions focused on emotional regulation for students living away from home.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Carlos Manuel Chacón Rodríguez, Anaid Guadalupe Martín-Díaz, Fabiola Corvera-Velarde, Yahel Teresa Vichi-Martínez, Pablo Tadeo Ríos-Gallardo
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