Effectiveness of an Intervention Protocol to Improve Disordered Eating Behavior and Body Image in the Treatment of Body Image Disturbance and Eating Behaviors among Women

Introduction and Objectives: The manifestations of body image disorder in the eating disorder have been assessed on the cognitive-affective component; however, there is no evidence about these disorders on the behavior and perceptual components. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention protocol to improve unique eating behaviors and body image in the treatment of body image disorder and eating behaviors among women. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted based on a pretest-posttest design with a control group using an applied research method. The statistical population consisted of all women who referred to weight loss centers in Tehran, Iran, during 2018. The data were collected using the Dutch Eating Behaviors Questionnaire and Body Image Concern Inventory. In total, 30 women were selected through a random sampling method and assigned randomly into experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Subsequently, the experimental group participated in eight intervention sessions per week intending to improve body posture and image. Results: The results of the multivariate covariance analysis showed that the eating behavior (P=0.001, F=62.889) was statistically significant at 0.05. The effect size of this intervention was approximately 70% on eating behavior and body image, which was acceptable in this study. Conclusion: The intervention protocol to improve eating and body image had a significant effect on eating disorders and body image. However, there is a need for more replications, as well as more robust, randomized, and controlled trials to improve the methodological standard of intervention studies in this area.

Symptoms of Muscle Dysmorphia Between Users of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids With Varying Usage and Bodybuilding Experience

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) usage has been repeatedly linked with a body image disorder called Muscle Dysmorphia (MD). However, evidence for how this relationship manifests is currently inconclusive. This study focused on the extent to which MD may precipitate or perpetuate the use of AAS. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, the sample consisted of 57 users (current and lifetime) and 51 non-using (never used AAS) bodybuilders recruited from two bodybuilding dedicated gymnasiums located in Wales, UK. Significantly higher levels of MD were found in users compared to non-users across training experience duration (0–2, 3–5, and 6+ years). MD levels irrespective of AAS usage (users vs. non-users) were consistent between 0–2 and 3–5 years of training declining however between those of 6+ years training experience. No differences were reported in symptoms of MD between users of AAS with varying lengths of AAS use exposure. This provides preliminary evidence suggesting MD may influence both initiation and maintenance of AAS use; however, neither regular gym attendance nor prolonged AAS usage may exacerbate MD symptoms.

How Healthy is a Desire to be Fit and Strong? Drives for Thinness, Leanness, and Muscularity in Women in Weight Training

Fitness training to attain the lean body ideal is becoming increasingly popular among women. However, it remains unclear how the drive for leanness (DL), as compared to the drives for thinness (DT) and muscularity (DM), relates to body image pathology and substance use in female weight-trainers. Participants (N = 168) completed a survey assessing DL, DT, DM, eating and body dysmorphic disorder pathology, and substance use. DT and DM were related to eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder symptoms (all r ≥ .29; all ps < .01), while DL only to the former (r = .19, p < .05). Supplement use was associated with DL and DM (r = .17 and .55; both p < .01) and pharmaceutical use with DT and DM (r ≥ .21; both p < .01). Female weight-trainers should not be neglected in body image disorder prevention, with a particular focus on DT and DM.