Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Amoako, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has urged students and staff to prioritise their health over academic and work pressures, warning that unmanaged stress can have serious physiological and psychological consequences.

Speaking at the second edition of the ScienceFriday Series organised by the KNUST Library System, Dr. Amoako emphasised that while deadlines are inevitable in academic environments, health must remain a top priority.

“Deadlines are temporary, your health is not,” she stressed.

Dr. Amoako explained that stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that, when persistently elevated, can negatively affect the body. According to her, high cortisol levels influence eating behaviours by disrupting hunger-regulating hormones such as ghrelin and leptin.

She noted that individuals respond differently to stress.

“There are some individuals who will undereat because they are stressed, others will overeat and crave fatty and sugary foods, while some develop irregular eating patterns,” she explained.

She highlighted findings from several cross-sectional studies that reveal troubling trends among university students. One study involving 180 students across various colleges found that over 60 percent had limited access to food, with about two-thirds lacking sufficient meals, a situation she said has direct implications for mental health.

Another study cited from her studies indicated that students experiencing high levels of stress recorded higher blood pressure compared to their less-stressed counterparts. A third study comparing teaching and non-teaching staff also revealed significant stress-related health patterns.

Dr. Amoako outlined common behavioural signs of stress, including fatigue, headaches, anxiety, poor concentration, appetite changes, and feelings of being overwhelmed.

To address these challenges, she encouraged practical lifestyle adjustments.

“Fix your sleep and wake-up times, plan your day and your meals, engage in regular physical activity, and most importantly, address the root cause of your stress,” she advised

She also urged students and staff to seek early support, pointing to the availability of wellness and counselling services on campus.

On nutrition, Dr. Amoako advised individuals to prioritise whole foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, and oils, while staying well hydrated, especially during stressful periods.

“Stress has the potency of affecting behaviour, especially eating habits, and this varies from person to person,” she added.

The University Librarian, Dr. Richard Bruce Lamptey, noted that the Science Friday Series is designed to promote the wellbeing of both staff and students.

“Our aim is not only to meet targets but also to prevent situations where we sacrifice our health in the process,” he said.

He described the theme of the session as timely and relevant in a fast-paced academic environment where pressure often leads to neglect of personal wellbeing.

“Success is not measured only by deadlines met, papers submitted, or projects completed, but also by the wellbeing we preserve along the way,” he said.

He called on the university community to consciously balance productivity with wellness to ensure sustainable success.