Purpose: We performed an ethnographic analysis on health-related behavioral patterns of male college students enrolled in a weight-control program. Methods: The participants in this study were 12 obese male college students and one member of the health program staff. Data, collected through interviews and participatory observations during fieldwork, were analyzed using text analysis and taxonomic methods. Results: Patterns of health behavior were categorized into one of two types: the type with a willingness and motivation toward improving health (including a positive management of diseases and lifestyle) or the type concerned with social development and competence (including the application of strategic relationships and a self-conscious inclination toward appearance). Conclusion: The concepts of body and health in sociocultural contexts lead to weight-control practices. These results strongly indicate that providers of dieting programs for young adults need to understand the physical and psychological concerns of their students. Moreover, another implication from our results is that health-related interventions should be designed according to specific aspects of its participants.