Diet and physical activity profiles among college students: Associations with alcohol use and 'better for you' product choices.

Objective: This study examined college students' health behaviors (diet/exercise), perceived "better for you" (BFY) alcohol consumption (eg, low-calorie), and associated alcohol-related outcomes. Methods: U.S. college students (N = 547; Mage = 20.45, 77.8% female, 34.4% Black) completed an online survey. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified subgroups based on diet and physical activity. Demographics were predictors, while BFY consumption, alcohol use, and consequences were concurrent outcomes. Results: A quarter of the sample consumed BFY products, primarily hard seltzer. LPA identified three profiles: Walkers/Poor Diet (66.48%); High Activity/Poor Diet (27.75%); and Moderate Activity/Diet (5.77%). Males were more likely to be in the High Activity/Poor Diet and Moderate Activity/Diet profiles. These "healthier" profiles exhibited higher levels of alcohol consumption and consequences than other groups. BFY consumption was the same across profiles. Conclusions: Students engaging in high-intensity exercise or BFY consumption may face increased risk for heavy drinking. Findings suggest healthy behaviors may co-occur with problematic alcohol use.