Background:
The university period critically influences the formation of health-related lifestyles. This study aimed to assess changes in health-promoting behaviors, physical activity, and the sense of health control among students over a decade (2016 vs. 2026), examining differences between physical education and social science students.

Material and methods:
The study involved two groups of students (N=752) surveyed in 2016 and 2026, employing purposeful sampling. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI), and the Multidimensional Health Literacy Scale (MHLC). Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated.

Results:
By 2026, a significant increase in sedentary time was observed (from 212.6 to 318.6 min/day; p<0.001). Social science students exhibited a substantial decrease in physical activity (intense exercise: 720 to 240 MET-min/week; moderate: 708.9 to 300 MET-min/week). Both cohorts experienced increased BMI, more notably among social science students. A significant decrease in MHLC-I intensity, indicating a weakened sense of health control, was also noted.

Conclusions:
The observed increases in sedentary behavior and BMI, coupled with a decline in internal health locus of control by 2026, underscore the urgent need for targeted health promotion programs within academic environments.