Healthy lifestyle practices are essential for maintaining students’ physical well-being, mental health, and academic performance. This study explored the factors influencing healthy lifestyle practices among students at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. A qualitative research design was employed, involving face-to-face interviews with 10 Bachelor of Nursing students selected through purposive sampling. The interview data were analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns and experiences. The findings revealed that financial constraints, limited time, academic pressure, peer influence, social media, and current lifestyle trends were the principal factors shaping students’ health behaviors. Nine (9) of the 10 informants reported neglecting sleep, nutrition, or physical activity because of assignments and examinations. Although peer support and health-related social-media content encouraged positive practices, viral food and lifestyle trends sometimes promoted less healthy choices. Unhealthy lifestyle practices were associated with difficulty concentrating, persistent fatigue, weight gain, increased stress, reduced motivation, and poorer academic performance. The findings demonstrate that students’ health behaviours are shaped by interconnected academic, economic, social, and digital influences. Universities should strengthen health-education programs, promote effective time management and digital health literacy, provide supportive peer-based initiatives, and improve access to affordable, healthy food and physical activities.
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