Health experts at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association on Thursday disclosed that the drive to achieve a well-sculptured and lean, muscular body is driving men to depend too much on supplement intake – a development that has started to reflect a eating disorder and some underlying problems.
In order to boost their physiques and activity levels, men rely on performance-enhancing supplements such as whey protein, creatine, and L-cartinine among others; because advertisers say these supplements bless users with the kind of body physique they desire.
“The marketing efforts, which are tailored to addressing underlying insecurities associated with masculinity, position these products perfectly as a ‘solution’ by which to fill a void felt by so many men in our culture,” said Richard Achiro, PhD, of the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, Los Angeles.
Experts warn that under such conditions, it is possible for men to look healthy and fit, but their organs may not be in the best of health as a result of some emotional issues behind their use of such supplements.
“Even if they look good on the outside, do they have excessive diarrhea? Are their livers and kidneys starting to give out from having to detox toxins? Are they adhering to this regimented style of eating in such a way to compromise their relationships and work life?” said Achiro, who is a registered psychological assistant.
About 195 volunteers aged 18-65 with a mean age of 33 were recruited for the study; and they were all men who had taken legal supplements within the previous 30 days of the study, while also exercising for at least twice weekly. Through an online survey, researchers were able to collect needed data on their self-esteem, eating habits, gender role conflicts, body image, and use of supplements among others.
Eventually, 29% of the participants were bothered with their use of supplements and 40% didn’t care, something researchers think was indicative of emotional and psychological problems – meaning the men knew the increased or prolonged use of such supplements was dangerous but couldn’t bring themselves to stop it.
“Like an eating disorder, this can become really rigid, a person’s need for these supplements,” Achiro said. “To have to take them at certain times during the day can really start to intrude upon one’s ability to live a life that’s otherwise fulfilling.
“Because we just assume sometimes that’s what men do, collectively, it’s kind of a normal thing, and in fact they’re overusing these supplements in a way that is damaging themselves and the people around them in some cases,” he added.
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