Muscle-building supplements have gained significant traction among young men and teenage boys, as highlighted in recent research findings. Studies indicate that the excessive consumption of products like whey protein and creatine might be impacting not only physical well-being but also mental health in this demographic.

A study from Canada, recently published in the journal PLOS Mental Health, reveals that young individuals using a range of muscle-enhancing supplements are at a heightened risk of experiencing symptoms linked to a condition known as muscle dysphoria.

The research involved around 2,730 Canadians aged 16 to 30, primarily comprising white males and females, who were recruited via social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. Participants were surveyed regarding their use of six popular workout products, including amino acids, creatine monohydrate, pre-workout drinks, protein bars, weight gainers, and whey protein. Notably, protein bars were the most widely used, followed closely by whey protein shakes and creatine.

The study also delved into participants’ perceptions of their body image, prompting responses to statements such as “I feel like I have too much body fat” and “I feel down when I miss workout sessions.”

Regardless of supplement usage, 26% of males scored above the threshold for muscle dysmorphia, indicating a preoccupation with perceived inadequacies in muscle size or definition.

Findings showed that the use of these workout supplements correlated with increased symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, which researchers linked to a heightened “drive for size” (the desire to attain larger muscles) and “functional impairment” (difficulties in work or social life).

On a positive note, those using supplements generally expressed satisfaction with their body’s response to the products, according to the study.

Young men and boys can be particularly vulnerable to developing an obsessive focus on their physique, which may lead to compulsive exercise routines, including excessive weightlifting that disrupts daily activities. This observation was made by Kyle Ganson, lead author of the study and assistant professor of clinical social work at the University of Toronto.

The extent of body dissatisfaction in the general population remains unclear, but it appears to be widespread in gym culture, Ganson noted.

Ganson pointed out parallels with trends observed in the U.S., where approximately 55% of adolescents and young men reportedly use bodybuilding supplements, according to recent estimates.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition, representing companies that manufacture dietary supplements, commented on the study, stating that dissatisfaction with one’s appearance often drives individuals to pursue changes through diet, exercise, or supplementation. Intriguingly, survey results indicated that supplement users often felt more content with their progress compared to those who did not use these products.

Experts emphasized the influence of unrealistic body ideals perpetuated by fitness influencers online, many of whom promote or endorse muscle-building supplements.

This trend is exacerbated by the use of filters by fitness influencers that mislead followers about their physical appearance, as highlighted by Dr. Jesse Mills, a urologist and men’s health expert from UCLA Health.

“There is a notable global inclination towards exaggerated body proportions reminiscent of animation,” Mills stated. “Body dysmorphia appears to be a growing epidemic.”

In a previous study conducted by Ganson, nearly half of the participants identified online influencers promoting workout supplements as a major factor motivating their own use of such products. The hashtag #creatine, for example, features over 382,000 posts, many of which include disclaimers about earnings from affiliate marketing.

The pressure to conform to muscular body ideals could lead young men and boys to frequent supplement use, to the extent that it becomes a habitual practice, Ganson noted.

Interestingly, among girls and women, the consumption of supplements was also linked with an increased desire for more defined muscle tone.

The findings highlight a concerning truth — “companies are benefiting from the mental health struggles of young people,” noted S. Bryn Austin, a social epidemiologist and behavioral scientist at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who did not participate in the research. “This represents a pressing public health challenge.”

Moreover, Bryn emphasized that these companies are not required to demonstrate the safety of their products prior to market release. Some bodybuilding supplements have been found contaminated with substances, such as prescription medications, anabolic steroids, and hazardous heavy metals, including lead and cadmium, as detailed in a recent report by the Clean Label Project.

While the efficacy of these supplements remains debated regarding claims of performance enhancement and muscle improvement, it is worth noting that many ingredients, such as whey protein, are safe when consumed as directed. Creatine has been shown to promote muscle growth and increase strength.

Using these supplements is not inherently harmful, Ganson indicated. However, once initiated, the pursuit of muscle growth can spiral, particularly among young men who seek advice through social media. “Caution is essential when considering these supplements; their benefits are limited,” he cautioned.

Mills stressed that for some young men, supplement powders may not suffice.

“If you are a young adult training regularly but struggling to achieve the muscle gains that peers do, it can prompt a search for more potent alternatives,” Mills highlighted, noting that genetic factors can hinder muscle development for some individuals. “This scenario often leads to exploration of additional options.”

Bryn’s research from last year published in the JAMA Network Open tracked 4,000 males aged 10–27 over 14 years, revealing that those utilizing muscle-building supplements were eight times more likely to initiate anabolic steroid use compared to non-users.

Anabolic steroids, though highly effective for rapid muscle gain, pose significant risks due to their side effects, creating a dangerous cycle impacting both mental and physical health, raising concerns about public health.