Objectives To enhance effectiveness of future health promotion interventions, reasons behind college student health concerns were explored. Methods College students at a U.S. university participated in a cross-sectional study. Results Students (n = 137) were predominately white (80.3%), female (73.0%), 20 years of age (20.3 ± 2.5years), within a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) (24.8 kg/m2) category, had a dietary quality score (short Healthy Eating Index; sHEI) of 39.7% (out of 100%), and identified as wanting to lose weight (51.2%). Students thought about health often (47.9%). Reasons for thinking of their health included, overall well-being (44.6%), body looks (22.4%), mental health (18.2%), and physical fitness (14.9%). Among those concerned with body weight, students were predominately unhappy with their current weight (P < .01). Conclusions Although students were in the healthy range of BMI, sHEI scores were below 40% and body self-acceptance appear limited. Future interventions may benefit from promoting mindful dietary patterns and weight acceptance. Funding Sources University of Kentucky start-up funds
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