Obsession With Muscularity Common in Boys and Men

With the current emphasis on leanness and muscularity as today’s body ideal, many young boys and men are engaging in risky behaviors and activities to fit into these current norms. This may lead to a pathological pursuit of muscularity, otherwise known as muscle dysmorphia.

Prior research on muscle dysmorphia has been conducted among specific groups, such as bodybuilders, while less research has been conducted across diverse, community-based populations. A new study published in Body Image investigates the potential risk factors for muscle dysmorphia symptoms in adolescents and young adults across Canada.

Is Muscle Dysmorphia Prevalent Among Young Men?

Analyzing over 2,000 participants, from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors, researchers found that adolescent boys and young adult men had many muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and one in four was at clinical risk for muscle dysmorphia.

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‘Boys and men striving for a muscular body are experiencing psychological and social distress as a result of muscle dysmorphia.’

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Moreover, muscle dysmorphia symptoms were more common in those who reported anabolic-androgenic steroid use, which is highly effective, yet dangerous, illicit substances that can increase muscle mass and tone.

The study also highlighted unique disparities across sexual identities and racial/ethnic groups. Compared to participants who identified as White, those who identified as South Asian or Middle Eastern were more likely to have greater muscle dysmorphia symptoms.

Additionally, participants who identified as a sexual minority (i.e., gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc.), compared to heterosexual participants, were more likely to experience greater muscle dysmorphia symptoms.

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Raising Awareness for Muscle Dysmorphia

These findings emphasize that many young people are striving for muscularity, resulting in significant levels of distress. This counters popular narratives that only thinness-oriented body image concerns and behaviors are problematic.

Therefore, we need to incorporate muscle dysmorphia symptoms into future conversations around body image and eating disorders, particularly given the likely rise as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Additionally, public health awareness and prevention campaigns related to eating disorders and body image need to include content related to muscle dysmorphia.

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Source-Eurekalert