Dietary Transitions and Sustainability Among Asian International Tertiary Education Students in Western Countries: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Western countries host a significant number of international tertiary students from Asia, who often undergo dietary acculturation, impacting their health, well-being, and the sustainability of their diets. This scoping review critically examines dietary transitions among this demographic, focusing on the extent, nature, and drivers of these changes, with a strong emphasis on sustainability implications. We conducted a comprehensive search across five databases from 2014 to 2024, including all review types, primary studies, and theses/dissertations, yielding thirty-eight relevant studies. The results reveal a marked shift from traditional to Western dietary patterns, characterised by increased consumption of processed foods and decreased intake of culturally traditional foods. Despite the challenges of limited access to traditional food stores and unfamiliar food environments, students showed a strong preference for maintaining their traditional dietary habits. Notably, the shift towards higher consumption of meat, dairy, and sugary foods, coupled with lower intake of fruits, vegetables, and fish, underscores the urgent need for policies that support access to culturally appropriate, environmentally sustainable food choices. This review advocates for a reinforced focus on integrating culturally sensitive, sustainable dietary practices into strategies aimed at supporting international students.