Muscle-building supplements have become increasingly popular among young men and teenage boys seeking to enhance their physical appearance and athletic performance. However, a recent study conducted by Canadian researchers and published in PLOS Mental Health sheds light on the potential dangers of overusing these products. The study suggests that excessive consumption of supplements such as whey protein, creatine, and pre-workout powders may be linked to muscle dysmorphia, a body image disorder characterized by an obsession with muscularity.
The research involved 2,730 Canadian participants aged 16 to 30, primarily white males and females, who were recruited through social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat. They were surveyed about their use of six common muscle-building products: amino acids, creatine monohydrate, pre-workout drinks, protein bars, weight or mass gainers, and whey protein shakes. Protein bars were the most frequently consumed, followed by whey protein shakes and creatine.
The study also assessed the participants’ body image by analyzing their responses to statements such as, “I feel like I have too much body fat” or “I feel depressed when I miss one or more workout days.” The results were concerning: whether they used supplements or not, 26% of the male participants met the criteria for muscle dysmorphia. Those who frequently used multiple supplements showed higher levels of body dissatisfaction, obsessive thoughts about their size, and a greater tendency to let these concerns interfere with daily life.
One of the major factors fueling this obsession with muscularity is the prevalence of unrealistic body standards promoted on social media. Fitness influencers often showcase sculpted physiques that may not be naturally attainable without extreme dieting, supplementation, or even performance-enhancing drugs. The hashtag #creatine, for instance, has garnered hundreds of thousands of posts, many of which feature influencers promoting supplements while earning commissions from sales.
This environment can make young men feel inadequate and push them towards excessive supplement use in hopes of achieving similar results. Dr. Jesse Mills, a men’s health specialist at UCLA Health, notes that digital enhancements such as filters further distort reality, creating “anime-like figures and cartoonish proportions” that are virtually impossible to attain through natural means alone.
While some supplements, such as creatine and whey protein, have been shown to support muscle growth when used appropriately, excessive consumption can have negative consequences. Some bodybuilding supplements have been found to contain harmful substances, including prescription drugs, anabolic steroids, and toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium. This raises concerns about the safety of these products, especially since they are not strictly regulated before hitting the market.
Moreover, overreliance on supplements can lead to an unhealthy cycle of body dissatisfaction and increased risk of turning to anabolic steroids. A separate study published in JAMA Network Open found that boys and young men who used muscle-building supplements were eight times more likely to begin using steroids compared to non-users. Steroid use carries significant health risks, including hormonal imbalances, liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and psychological effects such as aggression and mood swings.
Experts believe that addressing the growing problem of muscle dysmorphia and supplement overuse requires a multi-faceted approach. Education about healthy fitness habits, media literacy to counteract unrealistic body images, and increased regulation of supplement products are all crucial steps.
Dr. S. Bryn Austin, a behavioral scientist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, warns that companies are profiting from the mental health struggles of young people, making it imperative to implement stricter oversight. Additionally, young men should be encouraged to embrace body diversity and adopt balanced exercise and nutrition habits rather than resorting to excessive supplement use.
While muscle-building supplements can have benefits when used correctly, their overuse, especially among impressionable young men, presents serious mental and physical health risks. Addressing these concerns requires efforts from health professionals, educators, policymakers, and social media platforms to promote healthier attitudes toward fitness and body image.
