Food insecurity amongst UK university students in 2021: impacts on mental health and UPF consumption

Objective: This study explores the interconnections between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, mental wellbeing, and food insecurity among UK university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: A cross-sectional, anonymised online survey was administered between May and July 2021, capturing student experiences between Stage 2 and 3 of UK Government’s Roadmap out of lockdown Setting: UK higher education institutions. Participants: University students aged 18 and over (n=948) were recruited via snowball sampling across multiple UK universities. Results: Nearly half (48%) of respondents were food insecure, with international students disproportionately affected. Structural Equation Modelling revealed significant associations between food insecurity and lower mental wellbeing (β=−0.27, p