Rising Muscle Dysmorphia Among Young Men: Social Media’s Role
As cultural perceptions around masculinity shift, the issue of muscle dysmorphia is gaining attention, especially among young men. One compelling account comes from Sam, a 25-year-old who recalls being told as a child that he was too skinny. He attributes his ongoing body image struggles to societal pressures that dictate what a ‘perfect’ male body looks like.
Sam reflected, ‘When I start worrying about my body, then my routine and overall health start to deteriorate.’ This sentiment is shared by many, as studies indicate an increase in body dysmorphic disorder across genders, with muscle dysmorphia emerging as a significant concern in men.
Muscle dysmorphia is characterized by a preoccupation with muscularity, driving compulsive exercise and, in some cases, steroid use. ‘Men face a lot of direct pressures around bodies and fitness in modern society that they wouldn’t have seen 20 years ago in the same way,’ explained Becca Boswell, a psychologist focusing on eating disorders.
Influential figures in fitness, such as bodybuilder Sam Sulek, have millions of followers on social media platforms, further perpetuating ideals of extreme muscularity. Sam’s social media posts often receive millions of likes, indicating a growing audience for content centered around fitness and body ideals.
However, the normalization of supplement use and extreme dieting is concerning. The accessibility of this information online often blurs the lines between healthy practices and disordered behaviors. ‘Society tells us to exercise and watch what we eat, and deliberately shaping your body to look its best is common practice,’ said Underwood, raising concerns about identifying when healthy habits become harmful.
Defining Muscle Dysmorphia
Muscle dysmorphia, a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder, represents a fixation on muscle definition and size. According to experts, this condition is linked to various mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Mair Underwood pointed out, ‘A lot of people will treat it as a trivial sort of thing, but the level of suffering that comes with these illnesses is significant.’
Despite the alarming rates of muscle dysmorphia and its impact, stigma surrounding men’s mental health persists, leading to underreporting and inadequate support for those struggling.
The Impact of Social Media
Social media has drastically changed accessibility to fitness culture. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube promote content related to bodybuilding and diet trends, significantly shaping young men’s views of their bodies. As researcher Roberto Olivardia noted, ‘Social media has been this huge accelerant in a bad way in terms of body image.’
The cultural emphasis on physical appearance challenges many young men, leaving them feeling pressured to conform to unrealistic standards. As observed by Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist, “Changing the clocks twice a year can cause disruptions in sleep patterns, which have been known to cause various health-related issues.”
Efforts for Change and Recovery
Recovery from muscle dysmorphia necessitates comprehensive treatment tailored to the individual’s needs. Experts stress the importance of distinguishing between healthy fitness practices and harmful obsession. ‘The goal is not to have these men never exercise again, but to learn to engage in a more balanced manner,’ said Olivardia.
Addressing the societal stigma around men’s mental health will be crucial in facilitating open discussions and encouraging seeking help. The responsibility lies not just with individuals but with communities and media to foster healthier body image perceptions among young men.
As more dialogues around these issues emerge, there is hope for change to mitigate the effects of muscle dysmorphia and promote a healthier understanding of masculinity.
Comments are closed