Background
Body dissatisfaction among US college students has been well documented. Nearly 90% of first-year US college students reported being concerned about body image. 1 Western society emphasizes thinness and muscularity as the standard of the ideal body among females and males, respectively. 2 Research suggests that reducing calorie intake and increasing exercise are the most effective and healthy strategies for controlling weight. 3 Unlike those methods, weight control products and programmes offer a quick solution. A large survey of US adults showed that only one third of those trying to lose weight chose the recommended strategies. 4 The aim of this study is to investigate UK University students' attitudes towards body image and weight control products.

Method
Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with first-year undergraduate students from a range of study courses at the University of Nottingham (16 women and 4 men). The participants were asked questions to elicit their opinions about their body image and weight control products. Verbatim transcripts from the interviews were analysed using qualitative analysis to identify emerging themes.

Results
Overall, most participants reported being satisfied with their body image. Only four women were concerned about their body shapes. Most of the young women had tried at least one method to lose weight, whereas attempts at weight gain were reported by two men. 'Healthy' weight management strategies, such as exercise and eating healthily, were frequently mentioned among those trying to lose or gain weight. Only two participants had used weight control products: these were diet pills and protein supplements. Some participants believed these products could work effectively in conjunction with other weight control methods. Only a few commented that they would seek advice from a health professional, or go to a pharmacy, before using any weight control products.

Discussion
Our students show similarity in weight control practices but not in terms of body dissatisfaction compared to US studies. 1,4 There are some limitations to this study, including small sample size and the limited student diversity. Further research in this area could investigate the cultural differences that might give rise to these initial findings. Pharmacists should consider the advice that they might give to young adults with these concerns.