Body Image Issues Don’t See Gender

GYM.

That is what everyone is talking about nowadays. Protein shake, protein bar, protein powder, protein yoghurt – the list goes on. It looks like fitness is becoming a central part of Gen Z culture, but at the same time the number of men with body image issues and eating disorders have been increasing.

People negatively comment on men’s height, build, and size(s), which often go off as “jokes.” It’s never that deep, right? But if they were just “jokes,” they would not have caused discomfort and body image insecurities to the person hearing the comments.

What are Body Image Issues?

Body image means how you think, perceive and feel about your body. It can be both positive or negative.

It is a common misconception that body image issues are a “women’s problem.” But in truth, Body image issues are not a gender-related condition at all. Anyone of any gender can struggle with it. It could be someone you know or the gym lad who you see flexing their muscles all the time. For now, we will talk about how these issues affect men.

It’s not that every person who hits the gym struggles with body image. But sometimes, one might not realize how the “gym culture” is subconsciously affecting their decisions.

But isn’t fitness important? OF COURSE! (and even the endorphin rush – Oh my god!)

As much as it is important, it’s also important to note the ‘reason’ behind why you decide to go to the gym. I interviewed a professional powerlifter and nutrition coach, Dr Nishant Gupta, who actively works with people who want to achieve their fitness goals. He shares an online presence where he uses his medical knowledge to educate people on strength training and nutrition. Dr Nishant Gupta aims to reach people by using the local language, Hindi, to eradicate the language barrier in accessing the right knowledge.

Lack of Knowledge

Everyone who talks about a “healthy body”–what do they mean by it? Is it the nutrient value, or is it the way one looks? There are so many variables to consider, as every individual has their needs. And does everyone evaluate their needs before going to the gym?

“Teenagers & young adults due to lack of maturity, experience and knowledge of the complexity of such issues, make fun of the ones’ suffering and glorify aesthetics, showing off their abs, lean physique and being near single digit body fat percentages year round.”

Dr Nishant Gupta

We are constantly bombarded with certain narratives about how a man’s body should look, but that simply isn’t true. Because of such narratives, many men struggle with “muscle dysmorphia,” meaning they engage in excessive exercise to gain muscles due to negative self-perception. The body also needs time to heal, and engaging in constant exercise also strains the muscles.

Dr Nishant Gupta observed while training that some young adults use performance-enhancing drugs to gain quick results. The problem with these drugs is that they often lead to irreversible internal health damage. Studies have been conducted on these drugs, which highlighted the high risks of consuming such drugs. It can lead to early heart attacks, liver tumors, strokes, and psychiatric issues.

Then why do people take them? Most of this knowledge and incorrect guidance on “fitness” comes from social media. If we judge our parents for sending us random Facebook forwards, why do we listen to people who spread negative narratives about our bodies?

We all know social media is not the reality, but it is difficult to escape the narratives when it is repeatedly imposed on people. When people post their lean physiques, abs, and thirst traps, it’s never real. The editing and lighting used for the media changes the way someone can look. If you open Photoshop, you’ll enter the ‘multiverse of madness’ of photo editing. So much goes behind the scenes that we never know the media we consume about ‘how men should look’ is simply not real.

So when you do think of getting into fitness, don’t accept random things you see on social media or from someone without any credibility. Any non-credible fitness “guru,” probably gets paid to promote certain products. The amount of such people online makes it extremely difficult to fact check…but you still can.

Mental Health Reasons

Yes, Mr Patriarchy is back at it once again!

Men are still expected to “bear the pain” in any circumstances and are expected to be the “providers.” Although conversations are happening, it has not yet eradicated this narrative. Many people equate men’s physical appearance to their ability to provide. Sounds superficial and baseless? Yes, because it is.

Men’s body image issues are mostly associated with anxiety and depression. Because of the previously stated narrative, men are less likely to reach out for help. Most adolescent boys go to the gym to build up their muscles. Dr Nishant Gupta beautifully explained, “the ones lifting really heavy are just 0.1% of the whole population, if you’re training, eating well, feeling good, you’re already doing more than the average individual.” It’s not about how much weight one can lift but the fact that it is affecting your mental health positively.

It’s great if exercising helps you heal! But remember, exercising should not end up being something you would have to heal from.

In simple words, don’t torment your muscles just because you think it is not okay seek help – it is absolutely okay!

And trust me, it is very hot when men ‘can’ cry.

How can the Narrative of Fitness be Positive?

Obviously, for someone who is struggling with their body image, it can be difficult to reacquaint their relationship with fitness. The most import question that drives one’s journey, as Dr Gupta said, is to understand the “why” behind it.

Working out, whatever that might be for you, can be a great way to exhale any negative emotion and feel fresh and better.

 “Do it because the changes you feel will bring positivity, happiness and enhance your own life.”

Dr Nishant Gupta

Don’t do anything because it might appease someone else or fulfill someone else’s desires. Creating any diet or fitness goals should be aimed towards providing your body with nutrients for well-being rather than making it focused on appearance. Everyone has different capabilities and potentials, and focusing on maximizing your overall potential in life will help you live healthier and better.

This might sound cringe, but you do need to remind yourself over again that you are enough the way you are. Positive self-talk has proven to improve the mental health of people struggling with any body image issue. Your body is YOURS, so why should we give others the power to determine how it should be?

Whether you are a Big King or a Small King, a Short King or a Tall King – you are a King, don’t let anyone steal that from you.