Size matters? New aspects of size in body image and bodybuilding

Size matters? New aspects of size in
body image and bodybuilding
Bernadett Babusa
Semmelweis University Institute of
Behavioural Sciences Budapest Hungary
Paper read at the Jubilee Congress on Eating
Disorders 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.
¾ Definite male body ideals
¾ The male-body appearance market is growing.
• Body dissatisfaction and body image disorders are
more common in males
(Leit et al, 2001; Pope et al, 2000).
• Body dissatisfaction in males: results of a longitudinal
study (Cash, 1997).
Body dissatisfaction
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
Muscle mass
Upper torso
10%
5%
0%
1972
•
1985
1996
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
al, 1993).
–
–
–
–
believe that they look „small”
compulsive bodybuilding
common steroid abuse
impaired social and intimate relationships
Comorbid disorders:
¾ Eating disorders (Olivardia et al, 2000)
¾ Mood and anxiety disorders (Pope et al, 1997; Olivardia et al, 2000)
¾ Obsessive-compulsive disorders (Chung, 2001)
Aim: to overcome natural limitations.
(Pope et
I. Anabolic-androgenic steroids
„Bigger-Stronger-Faster!”
¾ „Body image drugs”
¾ Increase in muscle mass and strength.
The physical side effects of anabolic-androgeic
steroids
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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 anabolicandrogeic 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 mammary
glands in males resulting in breast enlargement – irreversible.
Gynecomastia surgery
(breast reduction in men)
1992
2002
4.997
14.343
Sarwer és Crerand, 2004
• Reason: side effect of anabolic-androgenic steroids.
• Can cause psychic promblems for males.
• Unique challenges for the plastic surgeon.
III. Plastic surgery
2. Implants
The most common implants for bodybuilders:
• Pectoral implants
• Calf implants
• Gluteal implants
Body dissatisfaction + BDD (MD)
dissatisfaction with the postoperative results (Sarwer and Crerand, 2004)
Conclusions
• Today there are several possibilities for body dissatisfied
men.
• The body image disturbances may lead to negative
physical and psychological consequences – MD.
• The investigation between MD and BDD is in it’s infancy.
• Although, muscle dysmorphic men are more likely to fool
mother nature’s limits.
Thank you for your attetnion!
bernadett.babusa@net.sote.hu