Introduction and objective:
The collection of current data on the nutritional status and dietary behaviours of students, stratified by gender and field of study (medical vs. nonmedical), provides valuable insights into the determinants of lifestyle among young adults. Such knowledge is particularly relevant for the prevention of diet-related diseases and health promotion within academic settings. The objective of the present study was to evaluate nutritional status and characterize eating habits among male and female students of medical and non-medical disciplines.

Material and methods:
Participants were recruited through voluntary enrollment. Nutritional status, expressed as body mass index (BMI), was assessed using the InBody 770 analyzer. Data on eating habits and food consumption frequency were collected using an author-designed questionnaire.

Results:
The assessment of nutritional status revealed that the majority of students (64.4%) had a normal body weight. However, differences were observed by gender (mean BMI: females 22.75 kg/m², males 24.09 kg/m²; p=.002). Females consumed vegetables significantly more often (p=.002), as did medical students, compared to non-medical students (p=.001). Females were also more likely to consume sweets (p=.002) and reported snacking more frequently (71.03% vs. 64.21%). Non-medical students consumed fast food significantly more often (p=.029). Within the study group, males were significantly more likely than females to meet the daily water intake recommendations (p=.001).

Conclusions:
The findings support continuous monitoring of nutritional status and dietary trends among students. Significant differences in food consumption patterns highlight the need for tailored, evidence-based educational and health promotion strategies adapted to the specific characteristics of this population.