ABSTRACT
Introduction: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, students in Indonesia have been faced with challenges to their daily eating habits and lifestyle patterns. Many of them have had to adapt to new health protocols during the pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on eating habits and lifestyle changes among college students. Methods: Data was collected from 952 students using a self-administered online questionnaire using Qualtrics. Bivariate analysis was used to determine eating habits and lifestyle changes based on socio-demography and nutritional status. Results: : Female students had significantly lower physical activity status than male students. The students mostly ordered food by an online-delivery food system. Male students had significantly increased their smoking frequency during the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison to before the pandemic. Female students consumed a higher quantity of immune booster foods such as multivitamin, fruits, honey, and herbal drinks compared to male students. Students had a high adherence to follow a balanced diet (64.50%). Conclusion: In this study, we have provided for the first-time data on eating habits and lifestyles changes and the adherence of balanced nutrition in Indonesian students during the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2022 UPM Press. All rights reserved.