The Next (Supposed) Crisis Facing Adolescents: Muscle-Enhancing Behaviour

Media images of men and women have become increasingly muscular (see any number of ‘Fitspo’ images on Tumblr), and muscle-enhancing techniques are available to youth. Apparently, certain behaviours such as use of protein powders or shakes, changes in eating habits, and exercising more are now under scrutiny as being potential precursors in ‘unhealthy muscle-enhancement’ (and perhaps body dysmorphic disoders?), say researchers from the University of Minnesota.

The results of their recent study indicated that muscle-enhancing behaviours were common in their sample for both boys and girls. For example, 34.7% of participants used protein powders or shakes and over 90% exercised more to increase muscle mass or tone. The researchers conclude that the use of such behaviours is substantially higher than previously reported and is a ‘cause for concern’. As such, pediatricians and other health care providers should ask their adolescent patients about muscle-enhancing behaviours. Confusingly, the researchers recommend PREVENTION and INTERVENTION programs targeting such behaviours among youth. 

Upon reading this article, I was lost for words … Clearly, the researchers are concerned for the welfare of the youth of today (& tomorrow) and are scared that, should the trends of ‘muscle-enhancing behaviour’ continue, we will end up with a society that looks similar to this:

However, to go so far as to suggest prevention strategies for such behaviours is akin to throwing the baby out with the bath-water. Muscle plays an essential role in the human body, without which we would look more like this:

Naturally, both pictures present an extreme case scenario. However, surely we should be promoting and touting the benefits that building muscle can have for the human body rather than preventing it. The focus should be on educating the youth of today on the realities of the ‘iron game’, rather than relegating it to the shadows in an attempt to create a society of muscle-phobes.

It is a given that body dissatisfaction is on the rise, and continues to be an issue with the impossibly high standards set by the genetically elite on the covers of both men’s and women’s magazines. However, the adolescent who seeks to build their body, to lose excess weight and gain extra muscle should be commended. Their passion and will should be tempered by providing information about the safest and best ways to maximise results, as well as support from both home and school for their new-found passion. 

Teaching these kids of think critically about culture, and tackling the images presented by media sources head-on are both important in preventing the rise of body image disorders associated with muscle size & tone. Learning to have a healthy relationship with food, promoting the ‘fun’ aspect of muscle-building and affirming the success of our youth will help to promote POSITIVE body image, while reducing the chances that muscle-enhancing behaviours will turn ‘dangerous’. 

Shame on you Eisenberg, Wall & Neumark-Sztainer for suggesting that building muscle is something to be feared. Obesity is already a large enough issue among the adolescent population, and I fail to see how preventing adolescents from exercising more or undertaking healthy changes to their eating habits will see this problem resolved!

Reference:

Eisenberg, M. E., Wall, M., & Neumark-Sztainer, D. (2012). Muscle-enhancing behaviours among adolescent girls and boys. Pediatrics, doi: 10.1542/peds.2012-0095.