Binge Eating and Body Image in Male Bodybuilders

Male body dissatisfaction has increased significantly over the past 30 years. Young men increasingly strive towards a body type that is leanerand more muscular. Because body image issues often underpin eating disorders and increased use of anabolic steroids there is increasing concern about the psychological and physical health of young men who turn to bodybuilding because of preoccupations with body shape and weight.

A recent study into body image, binge eating and bulima nervosa in men, found that competitive male body builders were more likely than recreational body builders to binge eat and meet the criteria for bulimia nervosa. Competitive body builders also have a higher risk of using anabolic androgenic steroids. It is not known whether men with bulimia nervosa disproportionately gravitate towards body building but male body builders, especially competitors, have many eating behaviors similar to men with bulimia nervosa.
Goldfield , Gary S, Arthur G Blouin, and D Blake Woodside, . "Body Image, Binge Eating, and Bulimia Nervosa in Male Bodybuilders." Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 00 Mar 2006 51:160-168. 24 Oct 2006 .

Related Information About Men and Their Bodies

Eating Disorders in Men

Anabolic Steroids: Use and Abuse

Bigorexia and Men

Body Image and Men