A new study investigates the connections between physical activity levels, eating attitudes, and muscle dysmorphia (also known as bigorexia nervosa) in university students.
The findings suggest that increased physical activity is associated with greater muscle satisfaction and more positive eating attitudes.
Key Takeaways:
- Physical activity levels were positively correlated with muscle satisfaction scores in students. As physical activity increased, so did satisfaction with muscle strength.
- More positive eating attitudes, as measured by lower EAT-40 scores, were associated with higher levels of physical activity.
- Higher muscle satisfaction scores were linked to lower EAT-40 scores, indicating more disordered eating attitudes.
- Male students had higher scores related to muscle dysmorphia symptoms compared to females.
- Underweight students showed greater obesity anxiety while obese students had higher muscle dissatisfaction.
- Meal skipping was associated with higher EAT-40 and muscle dysmorphia scores.
Source: Int J Clin Pract. 2022
The Impact of Physical Activity on Body Image and Eating Attitudes
The researchers surveyed over 1,000 undergraduate students to analyze connections between their physical activity levels, body image perceptions, and eating attitudes.
Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) which measures time spent in walking, moderate and vigorous intensity exercise in the past week.
Muscle appearance satisfaction and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia were evaluated using the Muscle Appearance Satisfaction Scale (MASS).
The MASS contains subscales related to muscle checking, substance use, injury risk, bodybuilding dependence and muscle satisfaction.
The Eating Attitude Test (EAT-40) was utilized to measure disordered eating attitudes and behaviors.
Higher scores on the EAT-40 signify more problematic eating attitudes.
Analysis found a significant positive correlation between IPAQ physical activity scores and MASS muscle satisfaction scores.
Students who engaged in more physical activity had greater muscle satisfaction.
For every 1 unit increase in IPAQ scores, MASS scores increased by 24.9%.
Additionally, increased physical activity was linked to more positive eating attitudes, shown by lower EAT-40 scores.
With each 1 unit rise in IPAQ scores, EAT-40 scores decreased by 17.9%.
These results indicate that routine physical activity and exercise may promote improved body image and self-acceptance.
Being active allows individuals to build muscle mass and tone their bodies, leading to greater muscle satisfaction.
The connections between physical activity, body image and eating behaviors are complex.
While exercise can support healthy attitudes, taken to an extreme it may contribute to disorders like muscle dysmorphia. Moderation is key.
Muscle Dysmorphia Symptoms More Common in Male Students
Muscle dysmorphia, also known as bigorexia nervosa, is characterized by an extreme preoccupation with increasing muscularity while also feeling one’s body is small and inadequate.
Individuals develop obsessive habits focused on building muscle mass.
The data showed muscle dysmorphia symptoms were more prevalent among male students compared to females:
- Males had higher scores on the MASS subscales related to bodybuilding dependence, muscle checking, substance use and muscle satisfaction.
- Male students also exhibited greater “obesity anxiety” based on the EAT-40 assessment.
Past studies confirm that males are at higher risk for muscle dysmorphia, especially those involved in weightlifting, bodybuilding or sports emphasizing increased strength and muscularity.
However, disordered eating attitudes and behaviors did not significantly differ between male and female students overall based on EAT-40 scores.
This highlights that problematic eating attitudes are common across genders in the university population.
While male students are more prone to bigorexia nervosa symptoms, females still face pressure to achieve beauty ideals that can promote body dissatisfaction and dysfunctional eating habits.
Proper education on developing healthy self-esteem and body image is important for all students.
Weight Status Impacts Muscle Dysmorphia and Eating Disorder Risk
When analyzing the data based on students’ body mass index (BMI) category, some notable patterns emerged:
- Obese students showed greater muscle dissatisfaction compared to normal weight and underweight peers. Despite having higher muscle mass, they desired larger muscles.
- Underweight students exhibited more obesity anxiety according to their EAT-40 results relative to obese students.
- No major differences appeared between BMI classes in terms of bodybuilding dependence or muscle checking behaviors.
- EAT-40 disordered eating attitude scores did not significantly differ between BMI groups. Normal weight, underweight and obese students had similar results.
The findings illustrate that students across the weight spectrum experience forms of body dissatisfaction that may lead to disordered eating habits.
Underweight youth are prone to excessive fear of gaining weight and obesity.
Obese individuals often feel pressure to reduce body fat and increase muscle mass disproportionate to their frames.
A preoccupation with leanness is common.
All students should be screened for problematic eating attitudes and supported in building positive body image.
Weight status alone does not determine someone’s risk for an eating disorder.
Skipping Meals Linked to More Problematic Eating Attitudes
Students who reported skipping meals had significantly higher EAT-40 and muscle dysmorphia scores compared to those who did not skip meals.
Breakfast was the most commonly skipped meal, followed by lunch and then dinner.
Night-time meal skipping resulted in the highest muscle dysmorphia scores.
However, the type of meal skipped did not impact EAT-40 disordered eating attitude scores.
These findings suggest that meal skipping, regardless of timing, correlates to more dysfunctional eating patterns and body image concerns.
Missing meals may represent intentional fasting to control weight or a chaotic, disorganized eating schedule.
In some cases, economic constraints also cause students to skip eating.
Encouraging regular, balanced meals that include nutrient-dense whole foods may help improve eating attitudes among university students.
Many schools offer meal plans or food pantries that increase access to healthy options.
Screening for eating disorders and providing mental health services can also identify students at risk who may benefit from support.
Addressing the underlying emotional and psychological factors is crucial.
Optimizing Health in University Students: Major Takeaways
- Routine physical activity correlates to greater muscle satisfaction and more positive eating attitudes. Schools should emphasize regular exercise to promote healthy body image.
- Male students exhibit more muscle dysmorphia symptoms but overall eating disorder risk is similar across genders. Screening all youth is important.
- Weight status alone does not determine eating disorder risk. Students of all sizes struggle with body image.
- Skipping meals correlates to disordered eating attitudes. Ensuring access to balanced meals may improve eating behaviors.
The mental and physical health of university students has far-reaching impacts on their academic success and future wellbeing.
Understanding connections between exercise, body image and eating patterns allows schools to better support youth.
A holistic approach focused on self-acceptance and inner wellness enables students to flourish.
References
- Study: The effect of bigorexia nervosa on eating attitudes and physical activity: a study on university students
- Authors: Muge Arslan et al. (2022)
