Examination of the association of muscle dysmorphia (bigorexia) and social physique anxiety in the male bodybuilders.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the association between social physique anxiety and muscular dystrophy in bodybuilders.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 384 male bodybuilders.

FINDINGS: 5.7% of the participants reported muscular dystrophy. Younger age and use of protein powder were associated with higher scores on the muscle dysmorphic disorder Inventory. Higher muscular dystrophy was associated with higher social physique anxiety.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Young male bodybuilders using protein powder are at increased risk to suffer from social physique anxiety and muscular dystrophy.