SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
The American Psychological Association has identified an emerging eating disorder in men: the excessive consumption of bodybuilding supplements. Supplements such as whey protein, creatine, and L-cartinine are legal and not regulated by the FDA.
[Richard Achiro, PhD] and co-author Peter Theodore, PhD, also at the California School of Professional Psychology [at Alliant International University, Los Angeles], found that more than 40 percent of participants [in a study] indicated that their use of supplements had increased over time and 22 percent indicated that they replaced regular meals with dietary supplements not intended to be meal replacements.... On the more extreme end, 8 percent of participants indicated that their physician had told them to cut back on or stop using supplements due to actual or potential adverse health side effects, and 3 percent had been hospitalized for kidney or liver problems that were related to the use of supplements.
An article from Fox News provides additional insight from Achiro:
"Because we just assume sometimes that's what men do, collectively, it's kind of a normal thing, and in fact they're overusing these supplements in a way that is damaging themselves and the people around them in some cases," he said.
"What are these men compensating for? Feelings of impotence in relationships, work life or both?" Achiro said. "It's an underlying behavior men know is problematic, but are unable to change because so few of us men are open to addressing our emotional worlds and sense of inadequacy."
Healthline also reports the study along with more of Achiro's thoughts on the problems men face due to a change in the "'ideal masculine' physique presented by the media... from hyper-muscularity — such as Arnold Schwarzenneger — to a mesomorphic ideal, which is muscular and lean, highlighting the importance of muscular definition."
I'm reminded of the scene from Fight Club where Tyler is staring at a Calvin Klein-esque ad, and the narrator asks, "Is that what a real man is supposed to look like?"
(Score: 5, Interesting) by skullz on Friday August 07 2015, @03:11PM
Well, lets see here. Dr. Achiro graduated about a year ago. He classifies himself as a psychotherapist. In Los Angeles. He just started his private practice. He lists student note-taker on his LinkedIn profile. This sounds like a recap of his masters and doctoral work and a publicity campaign to make him rich.
Commonly used substance with relatively well known side effects? Check!
Self obsessed locally accessible population in need of next quick fix? Check!
Sensational national coverage with Achiro having The Answer? Check!
"This one thing in your home could be KILLING you! More at 11."