Exploration of Body Self-Image and Associated Body Composition Supplement Behaviors in College Students

Background/Objectives: Body self-image interacts with young adults' health behaviors in complex ways, yet its role in shaping supplement use is not well defined. This study examined young adults' body self-image and their use of dietary supplements commonly marketed to enhance physique, fitness, and weight outcomes. Methods: College students (N = 122; 18-28 years) completed the Body Self-Image Questionnaire-Short Form to assess body self-image and answered three dichotomous questions related to general dietary (DS), performance-enhancing (PES), and weight-loss (WLS) supplement use. Student scores were calculated across nine psychological subscale groups and ranked as high, moderate, or low percentile within our study sample. Chi-square analyses examined supplement prevalence in student responses ranked within the highest and lowest tertiles; middle tertile data were excluded as part of the extreme-group design. All responses were included in the logistical regression analysis. Results: Higher scores for the Investment in Ideals and Health-Fitness Evaluation subscales observed significantly higher PES use; both subscales and the male gender were significant predictors of PES use. Higher scores for the Fatness Evaluation, Negative Affect, and Social Dependence subscales observed significantly higher WLS use; Fatness Evaluation and age were significant predictors of WLS use. Subscales were not significantly associated with general supplement use in chi-square or logistical regression analyses. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that internalized appearance ideals, emotional distress, and social approval pressures are linked to weight- and physique-driven supplement behaviors in college students. Targeted, inclusive campus wellness initiatives are needed to address psychological drivers of weight-management practices, including potentially high-risk supplement use.