Universities are weighing in with measures to try to prevent students from piling on the pounds.

Research carried out at the University of Leicester has shown 59% of students feel their eating habits change for the worse when term begins, with them relying more often on the easy option of fast-food, rather than taking the time to cook healthier meals.

Now, two of the county's universities are launching exercise classes, and video podcasts which will give undergraduates in Leicester and Loughborough tips on cooking and buying healthy food on a budget.

They will also be providing fewer fatty foods in campus canteens.

Oliver Harrison is director of website studentcooking.tv, which has signed a deal with the University of Leicester and Loughborough University to create films for students showing them alternatives to the lager-and-kebab lifestyle.

Mr Harrison, from Market Harborough, said: "When I've visited those universities I haven't actually been struck by the fact that there are loads of morbidly obese students waddling around, but if you speak to people they will admit their diets are not great.

"Sometimes that's an attitude thing because they feel it's easier to order a pizza than to spend time cooking a proper meal.

"But many students simply don't know how to prepare food properly, perhaps because their mum always did it for them. They simply lack the skills.

"There was one guy who made soup by pouring into a kettle. It may sound funny but there's a serious gap in their knowledge.

"We're working with the universities on short films, recorded with students in Loughborough and Leicester, to show that cooking need not be difficult or time consuming, and can be much cheaper than fast-food."

University of Leicester student Hannah Cooper, 22, carried out research as part of her sociology degree and found 29% of students put on weight at university.

She said: "Students might be tired and not feel like cooking. Fast-food marketing makes it very accessible, and if several students combine to order fast food together then it becomes an even cheaper option."

Hannah said the people she spoke to "knew that fast-food was less healthy than home cooked food", but that their knowledge "wasn't strong enough to override their lifestyle".

Loughborough University sports development officer Cathy Rooney said: "Not all of our students are elite athletes – and even some of those that are sometimes let themselves go a little with their exercise and diets.

"We have been working with the student union to make sure there have been inclusive exercise activities like a running club for total beginners, pilates and yoga classes.

"I believe it's important to get students fit and healthy because university is such a habit-forming period. What students get into here will stay with them."

Mark Price, Loughborough University's executive chef, is responsible for providing meals for 3,000 students in halls.

He said: "We do get some complaints that the food we do is too healthy and we try to strike a balance. Students are grown-ups but you can help them make the right choices."