Young Men at Risk for Muscle Dysmorphia
There’s a link between “bulk-and-cut” practices and eating disorders.
A study reveals new risks for eating disorders and body image issues among young men, including muscle dysmorphia. Teen and young adult men are twice as likely to practice “bulk-and-cut” cycles when compared with women and transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. Bulking and cutting involves alternating between consuming a high-calorie surplus followed by low-calorie restriction to increase muscle definition.
Canadian researchers evaluated survey data from 2,762 people, recruited from online social media platforms, ages 16–30. Practicing bulking and cutting is linked with a higher incidence of eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia.
Study authors note that since this practice is so prevalent and related to eating disorder risks and more, it requires more public health attention. A study limitation is that data was collected during the pandemic, which might have impacted behavior. More research is recommended among the general population.
The study is published in Eating and Weight Disorders—Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity (2022; doi:10.1007/s40519-022-01470-y).
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
