Metrics details. Body image concerns are prevalent and are viewed as risk factors for engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors UWCBs , such as purging, fasting, and the misuse of laxatives and diet pills.
Studies have also linked UWCBs to the development of eating disorders. In the United States U. To fill this gap in the scientific literature, the present study assessed the association between dating app use and UWCBs and muscle enhancing behaviors among a sample of adult SMM in the U.
UWCBs and muscle enhancing behaviors were assessed through items adapted from national surveys. Body image dissatisfaction was assessed using the Male Body Attitudes Scales. Participants also reported their history of dating app use. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the relationship between dating app use and UWCBs and muscle enhancing behaviors. Dating app users had significantly higher body image dissatisfaction scores than non-users.
Dating app users also demonstrated significantly elevated odds of engaging in four UWCBs and muscle enhancing behaviors: laxatives, diet pills, muscle-building supplements, and protein powders. Increased surveillance and detection for such behaviors among SMM, particularly those using dating apps, are needed.
Peer Review reports. For men, this ideal body image is often characterized as mesomorphic β possessing high levels of muscle mass [ 1 , 2 ]. For sexual minority men SMM , this ideal body image is further described as muscular, thin, and often light-skin toned [ 3 ]. The strive to achieve this ideal physique may promote many individuals to engage in risky and unsafe behaviors to lose weight, gain muscle, and make other changes to their body shape and size.
