Muscle Dysmorphia in Boys: When Fitness Becomes an Obsession

By the time boys are 8 or 10, they’re steeped in images of action heroes with oversized muscles and rock-hard abs. As adolescents, social media floods them with bulked-up male bodies. These messages equate muscularity with power and worth—sometimes leading to negative thoughts and a mental health issue known as body dysmorphic disorder. In boys, the most common form of this is muscle dysmorphia.

What Is Muscle Dysmorphia?

Muscle dysmorphia involves a preoccupation with having a muscular, lean physique. While only a small percentage of boys and young men meet full diagnostic criteria, many more engage in muscle-building behaviors. Studies show:

  • Nearly 25% of boys and young men take some muscle-building action.
  • About 60% of young boys report changing their diet to become more muscular.

“There’s a social norm that equates muscularity with masculinity,” says Dr. Gabriela Vargas of Boston Children’s Hospital. “Even Halloween costumes for 4- and 5-year-olds now have six-pack padding.”

How It Differs from Other Eating Disorders

Body dysmorphia often brings to mind anorexia or bulimia in girls, but muscle dysmorphia is not technically an eating disorder. It’s far more common in males and can be insidious, as unhealthy behaviors may go unnoticed.

Red Flags for Parents

Dieting is normal, but rigidity and persistence raise concern. Look for:

  • Diet changes lasting weeks or months without flexibility.
  • Overuse of protein powders or supplements—some may be adulterated with stimulants or steroids.
  • “Bulk and cut” cycles: rapid weight gain followed by extreme calorie restriction.

Physical and Mental Health Risks

  • Supplement risks: Stroke, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, liver injury from unregulated powders or steroids.
  • Diet extremes: Intestinal distress, kidney injury, impaired bone and muscle development, hormonal imbalances.
  • Psychological fallout: Depression, suicidal thoughts, and persistent feelings of inadequacy due to unattainable ideals.

“Even in a best-case scenario, too much protein can cause diarrhea or kidney injury,” notes Dr. Vargas. And malnutrition can exacerbate depression and suicidal ideation.

These tips can help: