summary of a report published in Br J Sports Med. 2002.
This article contains a study done to look at the rate of muscle dysmorphia among gyms in the given area (Boston). The researchers are interested in the difference in participants perceptions in their body size and their attitudes and behaviors in the gym.
Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) is a newer syndrome of body dysmorphic disorders and affects mainly men (although the numbers in women are increasing) who are highly muscular. These sufferers believe they are "too small" or not as muscular as they actually are.
Methods
Male bodybuilders were recruited from 23 gyms in the Boston area and were screened to see which group they would be in for the study; MD or control group.
Participants were given psychiatric and psychological tests along with providing their physiological measures. researches used a 69 item questionnaire called the MBSRQ that has seven subscales; appearance evaluation, appearance orientation, fitness evaluation, fitness orientation, health evaluation, health orientation, illness orientation. It also has areas related to body rea and weight satisfaction in which participants rate certain body areas on how satisfied they are with that area.
Results
The data showed that the MD group thought of themselves to be less physically attractive and their appearance was more important as compared the the control group. This group also considered themselves to be less healthy. The MD group was also less satisfied with all body areas, most noticeable was their dissatisfaction with their lower torso area, muscle tone, and weight. They wanted more muscle mass while also being worried about gaining fat.
My issues with this study
no female participants
doesn't state the criteria needed to be met to be considered the MD group
Choi, P. Y. L., Pope, H. G., & Olivardia, R. (2002). Muscle dysmorphia: a new syndrome in weightlifters. British journal of sports medicine, 36(5), 375-376.