Can body improvement turn bad? As a teenage body-building craze sweeps social media, some celebrate young people getting in shape. But for a few, it becomes a dangerous obsession.
Experts warn over ‘gains’ obsession
Gym bro culture: Many people are familiar with the idea that social media can affect girls' body image, but there is less research on how gymfluencers may be affecting boys. Comprehension quiz
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The term “muscle dysmorphia” in this context means:
A: A type of muscle injury from excessive exercise.
B: A healthy attitude towards building muscle and fitness.
C: An anxiety disorder where a person worries they are too small or not muscular enough.
D: A diet plan designed for professional bodybuilders.
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Which word is the closest synonym for “rigid”?
A: Easy
B: Unhealthy
C: Varied
D: Strict
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According to the article, what did a 2021 study find regarding teenage male athletes?
A: 72% of them feel dissatisfied with their bodies.
B: Less than half do 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
C: 2% of them have been diagnosed with muscle dysmorphia.
D: 72% of them use muscle-building supplements.
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Which of the following is mentioned by George Holland as a potential positive outcome of young people going to the gym?
A: Gaining thousands of social media followers.
B: Winning bodybuilding competitions.
C: It improves mental health and provides discipline.
D: It encourages them to follow an “ancestral diet”.
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Identify two extreme measures mentioned in the article that some teenagers are using to achieve their body improvement goals.
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In your own words, summarise the main concern that experts like Lucy Upton and Jason Nagata have about the “body improvement” trend.
Answers
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1. C 2. D 3. D 4. C 5. Any two of the following: Taking supplements. Skipping meals. Having surgery (e.g., to "enhance" their jawline). Following intense training regimes. Following rigid diets like the "ancestral diet" (eating raw meat and eggs). 6. The experts' main concern is that the trend focuses on achieving a specific look rather than what is genuinely healthy. They worry it is driven by low self-esteem and can lead to serious negative consequences like eating disorders, depression, and impaired daily functioning.
1. C 2. D 3. D 4. C 5. Any two of the following: Taking supplements. Skipping meals. Having surgery (e.g., to "enhance" their jawline). Following intense training regimes. Following rigid diets like the "ancestral diet" (eating raw meat and eggs). 6. The experts' main concern is that the trend focuses on achieving a specific look rather than what is genuinely healthy. They worry it is driven by low self-esteem and can lead to serious negative consequences like eating disorders, depression, and impaired daily functioning.
Glossary
Muscle dysmorphia - A subtype of body dysmorphic disorder. It is the delusional or exaggerated belief that one's own body is not muscular enough.
Eating disorder - A range of mental health conditions which result in somebody having abnormal eating patterns, which then affects their physical and mental health.
ChatGPT - An Artificial Intelligence chatbot released in November 2022.
Fatigue - Tiredness.
Depression - Low mood that affects someone's daily life, and can last for weeks or months.
Paediatrician - A doctor who works with children.
Fad - A craze, or intense enthusiasm that does not last for very long.
GB - Great Britain