0
0
May 15, 2025 – A new study has found a significant link between exposure to muscularity-focused content on social media and the development of muscle dysmorphia among boys and men in Canada and the United States. The research, published in the journal Body Image, highlights growing concerns about the impact of specific social media trends on male body image and mental health.
Key Findings
Researchers analyzed data from 1,553 participants as part of the 2024 Study of Boys and Men. The study examined the effects of three types of social media content:
-
Images of highly muscular bodies
-
Posts promoting muscle-building dietary supplements (such as whey protein)
-
Content featuring muscle-building drugs (like anabolic-androgenic steroids)
Lead author Dr. Kyle T. Ganson, assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, explained, “We found strong, positive associations between the frequency of viewing all three types of content and experiencing muscle dysmorphia in the study.” Muscle dysmorphia is a mental health condition involving an obsessive preoccupation with not being muscular enough, often leading to distress and unhealthy behaviors.
Notably, the associations remained significant even after accounting for the total time participants spent on social media. This suggests that the type of content viewed is a critical factor influencing body image concerns, rather than just the amount of time spent online.
Implications for Prevention and Awareness
The findings underscore the importance of media and health literacy for boys and men. Dr. Ganson emphasized the need for strategies to help individuals develop healthier relationships with both social media and their own body image.
The authors also called for more long-term studies to better understand the risks associated with frequent exposure to muscularity-oriented content.
Looking Ahead
As social media continues to shape perceptions of health and attractiveness, experts urge parents, educators, and healthcare providers to be aware of the potential mental health consequences for young men and boys. Promoting critical thinking about online content and encouraging open discussions about body image may help mitigate some of these risks.
Disclaimer:
This article summarizes findings from a peer-reviewed study published in Body Image and reported by Medical Xpress. The information provided is for general awareness and should not be taken as medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Source:
Medical Xpress: Social media content focused on muscularity linked to muscle dysmorphia among boys and men
Ganson, K. T., et al. (2025). Body Image. DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101903
