THE ROLE OF ONLINE SPACE IN BODY IMAGE FORMATION AND THE IMPACT OF COMPULSIVE EXERCISE PATTERNS ON MUSCLE DYSMORPHIA AND EXERCISE ADDICTION AMONG YOUNG ADULTS
Author(s)
Boglárka Horváth, MSc1, Diána Elmer, BSc, MSc, PhD2, Panna Manninger-Bíró, BSc3.
1Institute of Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary, 2University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 3University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
1Institute of Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely, Hungary, 2University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 3University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: With the rise of social media, the consumption of fitness-related content has become a daily routine, significantly impacting young adults' body image and exercise motivations. This study aims to investigate the relationships between participation in online fitness communities, types of content consumed, BMI, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and compulsive exercise patterns.
METHODS: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted between January and March 2025 among young adults (N=105) to assess online activity, muscle dysmorphia, and exercise addiction characteristics. Data collection was performed via an online questionnaire using convenience sampling, primarily through social media platforms. The Muscle Dysmorphia Disorder Inventory was used to measure muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and a modified version of the Exercise Addiction Inventory, supplemented with self-developed questions, was utilized to map compulsive exercise patterns. Data analysis was performed using correlation and regression analysis via Microsoft Excel (p<0.05).
RESULTS: Participants who were more active in online fitness communities scored significantly higher on the appearance dissatisfaction subscale than passive observers (p<0.05). No significant relationship was found between BMI and muscle dysmorphia symptoms (p>0.05). Consuming specific fitness and celebrity content showed a significant positive correlation with muscle dysmorphia symptoms (r=0.42; p<0.01). A moderate positive relationship was found between the frequency of following fitness influencers and guilt experienced due to missed workouts (r=0.365; p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight that the quality of online interactions and the type of content consumed are more decisive factors in the development of muscle dysmorphia symptoms than the actual body mass index. Prevention strategies should focus on developing digital literacy among fitness consumers, which can be effectively integrated into the educational and preventive work of healthcare professionals and health visitors.
METHODS: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted between January and March 2025 among young adults (N=105) to assess online activity, muscle dysmorphia, and exercise addiction characteristics. Data collection was performed via an online questionnaire using convenience sampling, primarily through social media platforms. The Muscle Dysmorphia Disorder Inventory was used to measure muscle dysmorphia symptoms, and a modified version of the Exercise Addiction Inventory, supplemented with self-developed questions, was utilized to map compulsive exercise patterns. Data analysis was performed using correlation and regression analysis via Microsoft Excel (p<0.05).
RESULTS: Participants who were more active in online fitness communities scored significantly higher on the appearance dissatisfaction subscale than passive observers (p<0.05). No significant relationship was found between BMI and muscle dysmorphia symptoms (p>0.05). Consuming specific fitness and celebrity content showed a significant positive correlation with muscle dysmorphia symptoms (r=0.42; p<0.01). A moderate positive relationship was found between the frequency of following fitness influencers and guilt experienced due to missed workouts (r=0.365; p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight that the quality of online interactions and the type of content consumed are more decisive factors in the development of muscle dysmorphia symptoms than the actual body mass index. Prevention strategies should focus on developing digital literacy among fitness consumers, which can be effectively integrated into the educational and preventive work of healthcare professionals and health visitors.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
PCR66
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes
Disease
Mental Health (including addiction), No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas