Objective: To assess prevalence of body concerns and weight management behaviors in students 18-24 years old who identify as a sexual or gender minority (SGM) compared to students who do not identify as either (non-SGM). Methods: Between 2015-2020 data were collected from students 18-24 years old (n=2642) who participated in the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (CHANAS), an ongoing, cross-sectional study at a midsize, northeastern university. Sexual and gender identity, body concerns, perceived weight, and weight management behaviors were collected from an online survey (Qualtrics). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and weight collected by trained technicians. Group differences were analyzed via chi-square tests (SPSS, P<0.05). Results: In the final sample; 3.9% (n=102) of students identified as SGM, 66% (n=1731) are trying to gain or lose weight, and 35.8% (n=941) perceive their weight as over/underweight. Of those with a healthy BMI, 15.9% (n=421) perceive their weight as over/underweight. There were no differences between SGM and non-SGM students in reported rates of those trying to gain or lose weight (61.0% vs 66.2%; P=.28), however, there were significantly more SGM students who perceive their weight as being over/underweight (53.5% vs 35.1%; P<0.001). Obesity was higher among SGM vs. non-SGM students (15.3% vs 5.9%; P <0.001). Conclusion: Data showed SGM students did not experience different rates of weight management compared to non-SGM students but did experience higher rates of body concerns and were more likely to be obese. Despite most students being at a normal BMI, two thirds of students were actively trying to gain or lose weight. Findings may assist college educators in promoting body acceptance and healthful weight maintenance among both SGM and non-SGM students. Funding: New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project 1010738
