Effects of body image on dieting, exercise, and anabolic steroid use in adolescent males.

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey study examined body image, dieting and exercise variables, and steroid use in 2,088 high-school graduates aged 18 years. In contrast to women, more men wished to gain (46%) rather than loose weight (32%). Men who wished to gain weight were more satisfied with their body shape, showed no fear of fatness, and dieted and exercised less frequently than did men who wished to lose weight. The prevalence of dieting was low (4%), even among men who wished to lose weight (9%), and physical exercise was more likely to be used for both weight loss and weight gain. Contrary to expectations, anabolic steroid use was rare (0.6%) and was not associated with a desire for weight gain. Steroid users were more likely to engage in running and swimming than football. The data did not support the notion that anabolic steroid use is widespread among high-school males.