Exercise dependence and muscle dysmorphia in novice and experienced female bodybuilders

Abstract

Background and aims: Extensive research has shown that male bodybuilders are at high risk for exercise dependence, but few studies have measured these variables in female bodybuilders. Prior research has postulated that muscular dysmorphia was more prevalent in men than women, but several qualitative studies of female bodybuilders have indicated that female bodybuilders show the same body image concerns. Only one study has compared female bodybuilders with control recreational female lifters on eating behaviors, body image, shape pre-occupation, body dissatisfaction, and steroid use. The purpose of this study was to compare exercise dependence and muscle dysmorphia measures between groups of female weight lifters. Methods: Seventy-four female lifters were classified into three lifting types (26 expert bodybuilders, 10 or more competitions; 29 novice bodybuilders, 3 or less competitions; and 19 fitness lifters, at least 6 months prior lifting) who each completed a demographic questionnaire, the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS), the Drive for Thinness scale (DFT) of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2, the Bodybuilding Dependence Scale (BDS), and the Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI). Results: Female bodybuilders scored higher than fitness lifters for EDS Total, BDS Training and Social Dependence, and on Supplement Use, Dietary Behavior, Exercise Dependence, and Size Symmetry scales of the MDI. Discussion and conclusions: Female bodybuilders seem to be more at risk for exercise dependence and muscle dysmorphia symptoms than female recreational weight lifters.

Investigation of eating and deviant behaviors in bodybuilders according to their competitive engagement

“…Most of the future competitors interviewed were unable to take a rest day and had to train each day even if they went on holiday with their loved ones. Their obsessive passion was positively related to sport dependence (Paradis et al 2013), and previous studies highlighted increasing sport dependence with competitive commitment (e.g., Goldfield 2009;Hale et al 2013;Smith and Hale 2004). Nevertheless, our study showed that obsessive passion appeared essentially in future competitors, a category not considered in previous studies.…”

“…Previous research has often compared competitors to noncompetitors (e.g., Goldfield 2009;Hale et al 2013) and presented competitors as the most at-risk category (e.g., Goldfield 2009). Indeed, our results confirmed that competitors were a category at risk.…”

“…The motivation of athletes preparing for competition evolves (Harwood et al 2015), and risks of disordered eating among athletes increase with their competitive engagement and competition (e.g., Chapman and Woodman 2016). For example, studies have shown that competitive bodybuilders are at greater risk of disordered eating than noncompetitive bodybuilders (e.g., Goldfield 2009;Hale et al 2013;Mitchell et al 2017). Previous studies on women practicing fitness sports have shown that disordered eating develops in relation to extrinsic motivation (i.e., a desire to change their appearance) (e.g., Allain, Lentillon-Kaestner, and Ohl 2016).…”

“…Nevertheless, prior studies, which were typically quantitative, compared only two categories of bodybuilders (i.e., competitors and noncompetitors) (e.g., Goldfield 2009;Hale et al 2013). The characteristics of eating behaviors among future competitive bodybuilders (i.e., who do not compete but intend to) and related factors have not yet been explored.…”

“…The authors worked together to formulate an interview guide based on the existing literature on disordered eating and muscle dysmorphia in male athletes (e.g., Chapman and Woodman 2016;Hale et al 2013;Mitchell et al 2017;Mosley 2009). The guide was composed of three sections: sport practice, eating behaviors, and psychosocial characteristics.…”