Prevalence and correlates of muscle dysmorphia in a sample of boys and men in Canada and the United States.

backgroundMuscle dysmorphia is a significant mental health condition that has been under-researched in epidemiological, community-based studies. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence and correlates of probable muscle dysmorphia among a sample of Canadian (n = 784) and American (n = 563) boys and men ages 15-35 years.

methodsThe sample comprised 1,488 boys and men who completed a variety of measures and items to capture sociodemographic characteristics and muscle dysmorphia symptoms. Diagnostic criteria were applied to identify probable muscle dysmorphia among the sample. Unadjusted (e.g., chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests) and adjusted (e.g., logistic regression) analyses were used to determine the sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, body mass index, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, relationship status, and country) associated with cases of probable muscle dysmorphia.

resultsThe prevalence of probable muscle dysmorphia was 2.8% (95% confidence interval 2.0-3.7%). Aside from lower body mass index among those with probable muscle dysmorphia, there were no significant demographic differences between those with and without probable muscle dysmorphia across ages, genders, races/ethnicities, and sexual orientations. Those with probable muscle dysmorphia had significantly higher scores on standardized measures of muscle dysmorphia symptomatology and muscularity-oriented attitudes and behaviors compared to those without probable muscle dysmorphia.

conclusionsFindings underscore that muscle dysmorphia may be more prevalent among boys and men in Canada and the United States than previously thought, highlighting the need for more research, prevention, assessment, and intervention efforts. The minimal differences across sociodemographic factors are notable, highlighting the need for an inclusive understanding of muscle dysmorphia.