<![CDATA[Introduction: Social pressure regarding ideal body standards among university students has intensified concerns about body image and self-esteem, particularly during the transition to early adulthood. Nutritional status may influence psychological well-being; however, evidence suggests that subjective perception of the body may play a more critical role than objective physical measures. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between nutritional status, body image, and self-esteem among university students. Research Methodology: A quantitative analytic survey with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 142 university students in Makassar, Indonesia. Nutritional status was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI), body image using the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), and self-esteem using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation due to non-normal distribution (Shapiro–Wilk p<0.05). Results: A significant positive correlation was found between BMI and body image (r=0.288; p=0.001), indicating that higher BMI was associated with poorer body image perception. A significant negative correlation was observed between body image and self-esteem (r=−0.305; p<0.001), suggesting that more negative body image was associated with lower self-esteem. No significant relationship was found between BMI and self-esteem (r=−0.086; p=0.307). Confidence intervals were not computed due to non-parametric analysis. Conclusion: Body image plays a more influential role than objective nutritional status in shaping self-esteem among university students. Interventions focused on body acceptance, mental health promotion, and the reduction of body dissatisfaction are recommended to improve student well-being.]]>
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