INTRODUCTION: Substantial empirical research has demonstrated that body satisfaction differs between men and women. Women appear to be more at risk than men for problems related to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behavior. The term body satisfaction, however, is a global term. Given that body image is a multidimensional construct, gender differences may depend on which parameters are being measured. Thus, the purpose of this study was to expand upon previous research and examine individual dimensions of body satisfaction, including sexuality variables and eating behaviors, among a sample of college students. METHODS: Data were collected using a web-based questionnaire made available to all undergraduate students enrolled in a southern university. IRB approval was secured prior to the investigation. The questionniare included items which addressed overall body satisfaction, dieting behaviors, satisfaction with separate body parts, self-efficacy, exercise behaviors, and sexuality items. The total number of participants were: N = 1277, comprised of n = 938 women (73%) and n = 339 men (27%). All statistical procedures were performed using SAS. Data were analyzed using frequency counts and multiple regression. The significance level was set at p<.05. RESULTS: The 11-item body satisfaction scale produced a Cronbach's alpha of .84. Multiple regression was conducted to determine if a set variables could account for overall body satisfaction. Results of the multiple regression on body satisfaction were significant for both females [F = 281.24, p<.0001] and males [F = 91.52, p<.0001]. The regression produced an R2 = .6743 for women, indicating that 67% of the variability in body satisfaction was accounted for by the model; significant contributors to the model when added last were: satisfaction with body parts (p<.0001), dieting behavior (p<.0001), and sexual desirability (p<.0001). The multiple regression for men produced an R2 = .6498, indicating that 65% of the variance in body satisfaction was accounted for by the model; significant contributors to the model when added last were: satisfaction with body parts (p<.0001), dieting behavior (p<.0003), and sexual desirability (p<.0005). CONCLUSIONS: For both males and females, satisfaction with individual body parts, dieting behavior, and sexual desirability were the most important predictor variables. The overall investigation contributes to a better understanding of the criteria involved in explaining body satisfaction. Future researchers may want to examine the influence of multidimensional variables on body satisfaction over time. Keyword(s): college level issues, exercise/fitness/physical activity, gender issues