Protein shakes, pre-workout powders, and muscle-building supplements are common among gym-goers.
Many young adults use these products to help build muscle, but a new study suggests that using multiple supplements might be linked to a deeper issue—muscle dysmorphia.
Muscle dysmorphia is a mental health disorder where people obsess over their muscle size and leanness, even if they already have a well-developed physique.
They may feel like they are never muscular or lean enough, leading to excessive exercise, strict dieting, and emotional distress.
A study published on February 19 in PLOS Mental Health examined this connection. Researchers, led by Kyle Ganson from the University of Toronto, analyzed data from 2,731 people aged 16 to 30. They found that 80% had used at least one muscle-building supplement in the past year.
The most popular products included protein bars (63.4%), whey protein shakes (63.1%), and creatine monohydrate (25.5%).
The key finding: the more supplements a person used, the higher their risk of showing signs of muscle dysmorphia. This means that for some people, supplement use isn’t just about fitness—it may be part of an unhealthy obsession with body image.
The Dangers of Extreme Muscle-Building Practices
Muscle dysmorphia can affect a person’s mental health, relationships, and daily life. Those who struggle with it may go to extreme lengths to achieve their ideal physique, including using anabolic steroids or engaging in unsafe workout habits.
In a previous 2022 study, researchers found that:
- 36% of young men used protein powders and shakes.
- 10% used other muscle-building substances, such as creatine and growth hormones.
- 2.2% reported using steroids, which carry serious health risks.
Some people even try “dry scooping”—swallowing protein powder or pre-workout supplements without mixing them in water.
Dr. Jason Nagata, a co-author of the new study, warns that this is dangerous because it delivers a highly concentrated dose of stimulants, which can have toxic effects on the body.
Social media plays a major role in shaping unrealistic body expectations, particularly for young men. Platforms are filled with posts showing muscular bodies, fitness transformations, and supplement promotions. Influencers often present highly edited or filtered images, making it seem like extreme muscularity is normal and achievable for everyone.
Dr. Nagata explained that young men are more likely than young women to post their muscles online, increasing body comparisons. Many social media posts highlight the benefits of supplements and steroids without mentioning the risks, making them especially attractive to teens.
Muscle dysmorphia is a serious condition, but it can be treated. The most common approach is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people reframe negative thoughts about their body. In some cases, medications such as antidepressants or anxiety treatments may also help.
Family, coaches, and healthcare providers can play a critical role in spotting warning signs early. Challenging misleading information on social media is also key, especially for teenagers who are still developing their sense of self.
Dr. Nagata emphasizes the importance of teaching young people to question what they see online and understand that many of the bodies they admire are digitally altered or enhanced in unhealthy ways.
This study highlights a growing concern in fitness culture. While muscle-building supplements can be helpful when used correctly, their overuse—especially in combination with unrealistic body expectations—can lead to mental health struggles.
The link between multiple supplement use and muscle dysmorphia suggests that some young adults may be relying on these products in an unhealthy way.
Key takeaways include:
- More supplements = higher risk of body image distress. Using multiple products may be a sign of deeper body dissatisfaction.
- Extreme behaviors, like dry scooping and steroid use, pose real dangers. These habits can harm physical and mental health.
- Social media plays a big role. The constant exposure to idealized, often edited body images can lead to unhealthy comparisons.
- Early intervention is important. Encouraging balanced fitness goals, questioning social media messages, and seeking mental health support can help prevent long-term issues.
In the end, fitness should be about health and well-being, not obsession. Young people need better education on realistic body standards, safe supplement use, and the risks of chasing an unattainable ideal.
The research findings can be found in PLOS Mental Health.
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