The bombardment of trending bodybuilding videos on social media is worrying doctors
Boys aged 8 to 10 are generally fascinated by movie heroes and action cartoons. Strong muscles, sculpted biceps and rock-hard abs, these characters propagate underlying messages of power and worth – and it’s easy to associate this with the bulky body even in adolescence, when social media valorizes a man’s body aesthetic. Inundated with these thoughts and pressures, many young people have developed a type of dysmorphic disorder: vigoroxia.
“This disorder is defined as an obsession with muscles, a compulsion to exercise, and the consumption of substances that promise to increase muscle mass. The number of cases characterized by ‘negative’ concerns about one’s image has increased, especially among adolescents around the world, precisely because of bodybuilding videos and trends on social media”, warns nutritionist Marcella Garcez, director and teacher of the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (ABRAN).
“At the same time, many young people develop an obsession with consuming healthy foods [ortorexia] or they completely deregulate their diet, for example by ingesting more protein than necessary, since this macronutrient is linked to muscle building,” adds the doctor.
Exaggerated concern for muscles
Also called muscle dysmorphia, this concern with a lean, muscular physique has more extreme behaviors in only a small percentage, mostly of boys and young men, but can affect the mindset of many others, according to Marcella.
“Almost 1/4 of boys and young adults engage in some type of muscle-strengthening behavior,” explains the doctor. According to Boston Children’s Hospital’s Young Men’s Health website, about 60 percent of guys in the United States report changing their diet to become more muscular.
“Although this does not meet the diagnostic criteria for muscle dysmorphia, somehow this bombardment of images affects many young people,” adds the doctor.
What a man’s body should be like
There is a social norm that identifies muscularity with masculinity. “Careful observation will notice that there are constant messages about the body men should have. Even Halloween costumes for 4- and 5-year-olds now have padding for six-pack abs,” says Marcella.
Muscle dysmorphic disorder generally differs between boys and girls. “Long considered the preserve of girls, body dysmorphia can take the form of eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. Muscle dysmorphia isn’t technically an eating disorder, but it’s much more common among men – and it’s insidious. It could be linked to orthorexia, which generally affects the social relationships of these young people, who stop going out with friends and gathering with family for fear of “straying” from the diet”, says the doctor.
“The common misconception is that body dysmorphia only affects girls and is not a male problem. For this reason, these unhealthy behaviors in boys often go unnoticed,” he warns.
Signs and dangers
Parents may have difficulty discerning whether their child is just a teenager or is entering dangerous territory. The nutritionist advises parents to look for these warning signs:
- • Noticeable change in physical routine, such as going from training once a day to spending hours training every day;
- • After exercise or regular meals, including limiting the foods you are eating or focusing heavily on high-protein options;
- • Stop normal activities, such as spending time with friends, to exercise;
- • Obsessively taking photos of your muscles or abdomen to monitor ‘improvement’ in ‘shape’;
- • Weigh yourself several times a day;
- • Dressing to highlight a more muscular physique or wearing looser clothing to hide their physique because they don’t think it’s good enough.
“Almost everyone has been on a diet. The difference is persistence: they don’t just try it for a week and then decide it’s not for them. These kids have been doing it for weeks or months and are not flexible in changing their behaviors because they obsessively believe to be healthy”, warns the doctor.
Behaviors harmful to mental health
Regarding the dangers, the nutritionist warns that extreme behaviors can pose risks to physical and mental health.
“For example, the unregulated protein powders and supplements that guys turn to in hopes of gaining mass quickly can be adulterated with stimulants. Additionally, some may resort to using anabolic steroids. This leads to an increased risk of stroke, heart palpitations, hypertension and liver damage,” notes Marcella.
Some guys also try to gain muscle mass through a regimen of “bulking” (gains) and “cutting” (losses), with periods of rapid weight gain on a high-calorie diet followed by periods of extreme calorie restriction.
“This can affect long-term muscle and bone development and lead to irregular heartbeats and lower testosterone levels. Even in the best case scenario, eating too much protein can lead to many intestinal disorders, such as diarrhea or kidney damage, since our kidneys are not designed to filter excessive amounts of protein,” adds the doctor.
As for the psychological consequences, they can also be relevant with the appearance of depression and suicidal thoughts, which can generally occur when children drastically reduce calories or neglect entire food groups.
“Also, when they try to reach unrealistic ideals, they may constantly feel like they’re not good enough,” he points out.
How parents can help
According to the nutritionist, some tips can help:
• Gather together for family meals
Even with schedules that can be complicated, this is a good strategy, according to the doctor.
“Considerable research shows that physical and mental health benefits come from sitting together at mealtimes, including making children more likely to be an appropriate weight for their body type,” she explains.
• Consider nutrition and exercise important for health
“When talking to your child about what you eat or your exercise routine, don’t link expected results to body shape or size,” she says.
• Communicate openly
“If your child says he wants to exercise more or increase his protein intake, ask him why: for his overall health or for a specific ideal body?”
• Keep an eye out for concerns
If your child wants to increase their protein intake or is too concerned about their diet, it may be advisable to seek help from a nutritionist.
“An alternative is to talk to your doctor. He will be able to advise you on the appropriate level of protein through regular nutrition. If the disorder is observed by the doctor, it is important that the treatment is multidisciplinary, carried out together with a psychiatrist and a psychologist”, concludes the doctor.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
