Differences in Eating Habits, Stress, and Weight Changes among Indonesian Generations Y and Z Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The Covid-19 Pandemic has had a lot of impacts on society and students from various generations. Generations are a group of people who have the same age, traits, and experiences. Not all generations can overcome the impact caused by the pandemic on themselves, which is the cause of various problems in each generation starting from habits, behaviors, and stress. Generations Z and Y are among the generations that have reacted quite a lot to the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Generation Z is a generation that is instantaneous, sophisticated, and adaptable to the digital world, while Generation Y is a transitional generation between conventional and digital. They are more patient in facing challenges. This study analyses differences in eating habits, stress, and lifestyle due to the Covid-19 Pandemic in two generations. Methods: This research was conducted on Indonesian students grouped by Generations Z and Y, with a cross-sectional design. The research data was collected online on 237 Indonesian students in April 2021. Sampling using the snowball method. Analysis of differences was carried out using an independent t-test. Results: The study's results stated that there were differences in changes in eating habits and stress between the two generations (p<0.05). Generation Y experienced more changes in eating habits than Generation Z due to the pandemic, and Generation Z experienced more stress than Generation Y. For weight changes, there is no difference between the two generations. Each generation experienced weight changes, but it was not much different. Conclusion: Generation Y is better able to control stress due to the Covid-19 pandemic compared to Generation Z. However, with changes in eating habits, Generation Y has experienced more changes. Changes in body weight in both generations experienced an increase in body weight. There needs to be education and motivation for various generations to face the new normal era so that it is not easily stressed, which can result in changes in eating habits and weight.