More and more supplements to build muscle Popular with teenage boys and young men. New research suggests that overuse of products such as whey powder and creatine may affect the mental and physical health of young people.
Canadian studies published in the journal on Wednesday PLOS Mental Healthfind that young people who consume multiple muscle building products are more likely to exhibit symptoms of a condition called muscle violation.
Approximately 2,730 Canadian teens and adults aged 16-30, mainly white men and women, were recruited via Instagram and Snapchat ads. They were asked about the use of six different common training products: amino acids, creatine monohydrate, pre-workout drinks or powders, protein bars, weight or bulk acquirers, whey protein shakes or powders. Protein bars were most commonly consumed, followed by whey protein shakes or powders and creatine.
The study also asked about body image and asked to respond to statements such as “I feel too much body fat” and “I feel depressed when I miss one or more workout days.” It’s there.
Whether they used supplements or not, 26% of boys and men scored above levels of muscle dysplasia. In other words, I am very engrossed in the lack of muscle mass and tone.
The use of workout supplements and products can lead to more symptoms of muscle myophilia, researchers can increase the size of their body size (the desire to have larger muscles) and “dysfunction” (the work and social life). It was related to what I called (unsatisfactory). .
On the positive side, young people who used supplements were generally satisfied with how their bodies responded, the study showed.
Boys and young men can stick to the muscles. This can lead to obsessive thoughts and exercise to build muscle – for example, weightlifting hours a day, until you interfere with your daily life. Kyle Gunsonsaid the lead research author and assistant professor of clinical social work at the University of Toronto.
I don’t know how many people are generally affected by this type of physical dissatisfaction, but “it’s thought to be quite ramping in the gym field,” Gunson said. .
Gunson said the findings reflect data and trends seen in the US. About 55% of adolescents and young men in the US According to some estimates, use bodybuilding supplements.
The Responsible Nutrition Council, the industry association and lobbying group representing companies that manufacture supplements, said in a statement released after the investigation: In fact, we found that to adjust their diet, exercise more, and supplement users were actually more satisfied with their progress than non-users to support their goals. ”
Experts say the findings spotlight how unrealistic bodies are fueled Fitness influencer People who advertise or sell workout supplements online may be driving more children and younger adults using too much powders and pills.
It doesn’t help many fitness influencers to use filters that deceive others and think their appearance is real or naturally achievable. Dr. Jesse Millsa urologist and a male health expert at UCLA Health, and was not involved in this study.
“This is a global trend towards animated character-to-manga-like proportions,” Mills said. “I think bodydismorphia is a new pandemic in general.”
In a Gunson survey released last year, almost half of respondents said Online influencers who promoted workout supplements It was the “major” motivation for using the product. hashtag #CreatineFor example, there have been over 382,000 posts, many of which have been flagged with a “Creator Acquisition Committee” warning.
The pressure to meet muscular physical standards could motivate young men and boys to use supplements more frequently, and “it’s like a second nature,” Gunson said. .
Interestingly, between girls and women, supplement use was also associated with stronger desire for larger and more toned muscles.
The findings said it underscore the dangerous reality that “companies are benefiting from the distress of young people’s mental health.” S. Brin Austina social epidemiologist and behavioral scientist at Harvard Chan School of Public Health who was not involved in the study. “There’s a public health issue here.”
Furthermore, these companies do not need to prove their products safe before they can be on the market, Bryn added. Some bodybuilding supplements include Prescription drugs, anabolic steroids Toxic heavy metals such as lead and cadmium are Recent reports by Clean Label Project.
There is a mix of evidence that supplements do everything that claims, such as improving athletic performance and improving muscle stamina. However, when used properly, many of the ingredients in muscle structure supplements, such as whey protein, are safe. Some are like creatine It has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength.
Using supplements does not mean “inherently problematic.” However, it has once started, “it’s like a Pandora’s box,” especially for boys and young men who frequently turn to social media for advice. “So you need to be careful when taking these supplements. They can only support your goals in so many ways.”
Mills, a male health expert, warned that supplement powders might not be enough for some younger men.
“Imagine you’re an impressive 18-25 year old, age 18-25, who doesn’t see the benefits others have,” says genetics, making it difficult for them to develop muscles. Emphasizing that it can be done, Mills said. “It’s certainly a gateway to ‘what else is there?’ ”
Bryn’s team conducted a survey published last year. Journal Jama Network It was followed by 4,000 boys and young men, ages 14 and ages 10-27. This group found that those who used muscle building supplements were eight times more likely to start anabolic steroids than those who did not.
Steroids are “a very effective way to apply large amounts of mass in a short amount of time,” Mills said. This dangerous mental and physical cycle has become a “public health concern” because even low doses are associated with side effects.
