Size matters? New aspects of size inbody image and bodybuilding

Bernadett BabusaSemmelweis University Institute of Behavioural Sciences Budapest Hungary

Paper read at the Jubilee Congress on EatingDisorders 2010, The 18th International Conference,

October 21-23, 2010, Alpbach, Tyrol, Austria

Eating and body image disorders

• Typical disorders of women.

Males and body image disorders

• Changing male body ideals.

Definite male body idealsThe male-body appearance market is growing.

• Body dissatisfaction and body image disorders aremore common in males (Leit et al, 2001; Pope et al, 2000).

• Body dissatisfaction in males: results of a longitudinalstudy (Cash, 1997).

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%

1972 1985 1996

Muscle massUpper torso

Body dissatisfaction

• 91% of males would like to be more muscular (Jacobi and Cash, 1994).

• Relationship between bodybuilding and body image.

Muscle Dysmorphia

Preoccupation with the perceived lack of muscle size (Pope et al, 1993).

– believe that they look „small”– compulsive bodybuilding– common steroid abuse– impaired social and intimate relationships

Comorbid disorders:Eating disorders (Olivardia et al, 2000)Mood and anxiety disorders (Pope et al, 1997; Olivardia et al, 2000)Obsessive-compulsive disorders (Chung, 2001)

Aim: to overcome natural limitations.

I. Anabolic-androgenic steroids„Bigger-Stronger-Faster!”

„Body image drugs”Increase in muscle mass and strength.

The physical side effects of anabolic-androgeicsteroids

• gynecomastia (growth of female breast)• testicle atrophy• liver disease• coronary artery disease• hair loss• acne• headache• high blood pressure• risk of prostate cancer• infections

The psychiatric side effects of anabolic-androgeic steroids

• mood changes (Choi és mtsai, 1990)– depression to hypomania– aggressiveness ‘steroid rage‘

• impaired judgement (Pope és Katz, 1994)

• grandiose belief (Pope és mtsai, 2000)

• sexual dysfunctions• dependence on steroids

•Muscle dysmorphic men are at-risk population for steroid abuse (Kanayama, 2006).

II. Synthol/Pump N’ Pose

• Site enhancement oil• Injected directly into the muscle, work by filling the

muscle up with an oil substance.• BUT no increase in muscular performance.

II. Synthol/Pump N’ Pose

Dangers of Synthol:• deformation of the muscle • infection• embolism• heart attack• stroke• pulmonary embolism• (brain damage)

III. Plastic surgery 1. Gynecomastia

• Gynecomastia is the development of abnormally large mammaryglands in males resulting in breast enlargement – irreversible.

• Reason: side effect of anabolic-androgenic steroids.

• Can cause psychic promblems for males.

• Unique challenges for the plastic surgeon.

14.3434.997Gynecomastia surgery(breast reduction in men)

20021992

Sarwer és Crerand, 2004

III. Plastic surgery 2. Implants

The most common implants for bodybuilders:• Pectoral implants• Calf implants• Gluteal implants

Body dissatisfaction + BDD (MD)dissatisfaction with the post-

operative results (Sarwer and Crerand, 2004)

Conclusions

• Today there are several possibilities for body dissatisfiedmen.

• The body image disturbances may lead to negativephysical and psychological consequences – MD.

• The investigation between MD and BDD is in it’s infancy.

• Although, muscle dysmorphic men are more likely to foolmother nature’s limits.

Thank you for your attetnion!

bernadett.babusa@net.sote.hu