Bodybuilding Supplements: Is It Part Of A New Eating Disorder For Men?

Researchers at Alliant International University have discovered that men who frequently replace meals with legal performance-enhancing drugs, including protein powders and bars, may have an eating disorder.

A study presented at the 2015 American Psychological Association's annual convention suggested that lean and muscular male images perpetrated by the media may be contributing to overall dissatisfaction with one's self-image.

During this particular study, researchers recruited 195 men between the ages of 18 and 65 who had consumed some form of performance-enhancing supplements, such as whey protein or creatine, within the last 30 days, as well as worked out twice a week. The participants were then asked to complete a survey about self-esteem, eating habits, body image and gender role conflicts, according to a news release.

On the use of supplements, 40 percent of participants said their use of supplements increased over time, 22 percent had replaced regular meals with supplements, and 29 percent were concerned about their use of them. Additionally, 8 percent of the men said a doctor had told them to cut back on use and 3 percent had been hospitalized with kidney or liver issues related to supplement use.

Researchers note that marketing is oftentimes to blame for the efforts towards many of these supplements, which are tailored to address many issues of masculinity that define popular culture.

Related Articles

'Mirror, Mirror On The Wall': Scrutinizing Your Appearance Could Cause Weight-Gain

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).