Review article
Adolescent boys and the muscular male body ideal1

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The increasingly muscular male body ideal

Sociocultural standards of beauty for males emphasize strength and muscularity. When asked about body type preferences, boys as young as 5- or 6-years-old prefer the mesomorphic type (well-proportioned, average build), rather than ectomorphic (thin) or endomorphic (fat) [11]. Within the mesomorphic category, a majority select the muscular mesomorphic body type, a V-shaped “muscleman”-type body “characterized by well-developed chest and arm muscles and wide shoulders tapering down to a narrow

Body dissatisfaction

During puberty, body shape changes, with adolescent females developing broader hips and adolescent males broader shoulders. After the pubertal growth spurt, adolescent males are taller and heavier than their female counterparts and also have greater strength and musculature.

Research on normative adolescent development indicates that females experience more body dissatisfaction than males [26]. While adolescent females experience decreased feelings of attractiveness, adolescent males experience

Eating disorders

Eating disorders traditionally have been much less common among men than among women, with men accounting for approximately 5%–15% of individuals with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa [30]. However, eating disorders among males may be increasing and, among males, these disorders may be more likely to be associated with athletic pursuits [31]. A study comparing 51 males and 693 females admitted to the inpatient eating disorders service at The New York Hospital between 1984 and 1997, found

Use of anabolic steroids and dietary supplements

It is estimated that between 3% to 12% of male high school seniors have used anabolic steroids [38]. Data from the most recent Monitoring the Future Survey indicate that while use of most illegal drugs is leveling off or decreasing, anabolic steroid use among adolescent males is on the rise [39]. This annual survey of illegal drug use indicated that, from 1998 to 1999, steroid use among adolescent males increased about 50% (from 1.6% to 2.5% in 8th grade and from 1.9% to 2.8% in 10th grade).

Groups at a higher risk

Research on harmful weight-control behaviors also suggests that some men, particularly athletes, may be at greater risk for body dissatisfaction and harmful weight-control behaviors. While athletes in general may be more likely to develop these problems, bodybuilders, gymnasts, football players, wrestlers, and runners may be particularly vulnerable.

Bodybuilders may be more likely than other athletes to develop body image disturbances and engage in steroid use. The body image disturbance “body

Recommendations for future research

The possible association between the muscular male body ideal in the media and adolescent males’ involvement in harmful weight-control behaviors is a complex topic that is only now beginning to be critically examined. Clearly, adolescent males may be experiencing body image dissatisfaction and engaging in disordered eating, use of anabolic steroids and dietary supplements, or other harmful activities for a number of reasons other than the pursuit of a muscular male body ideal. As is the case

Summary

As evidenced by the literature discussed, research suggests that two trends are indeed occurring: the male body ideal is becoming more muscular and adolescent males are increasingly experiencing body dissatisfaction, engaging in disordered eating, and using anabolic steroids and untested dietary supplements to control their weight and to gain muscle. These behaviors can have serious, long-term health consequences. However, research on the role of the media in promoting these types of behaviors

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