The male body ideal: perspectives of readers and non-readers of fitness magazines

Abstract

Background: The reading of fitness magazines has been found to be associated with body dissatisfaction and related behaviors among men. This study examined possible differences between readers and non-readers of fitness magazines regarding the male body ideal and its achievement. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 male college students at a large university in the southeast United States. Results: Both readers and non-readers of fitness magazines were found to prefer a lean and moderately muscular body and to be engaging in behaviors designed to attain it, such as limiting carbohydrates and/or fat in their diets, exercising, and using performance-enhancing supplements. However, most participants did not believe that attaining the ideal was a very important goal. Non-media influences, such as interpersonal relationships and previous involvement in competitive sports, were found to contribute to an interest in body image change that preceded the reading of fitness magazines. Conclusions: Interview findings suggest that college men may be internalizing the lean and muscular male body ideal featured in men's fitness magazines and other media. Regarding the relation between the reading of fitness magazines and body image concerns, findings suggest that pre-existing concerns may lead some men to select these types of titles. More research is needed to determine whether, and if so among which readers, exposure to fitness magazines may serve to reinforce existing concerns related to achieving a lean and muscular physique.