Social media’s push for the perfect muscular body is fuelling a new form of disordered eating — and young men are most at risk

Young men are most likely to follow eating habits consistent with Mode. Elkhophoto/ Shutterstock

From celebrities and influencers to everyday people, social media is full of content that showcases perfectly toned, muscular bodies – and how to achieve them. Having a muscular physique is no longer confined to elite athletes and body builders – it has become a widely popular aspiration.

But alongside the rising popularity of this kind of content has been an increase in the pressure that both men and women are feeling to achieve a more athletic, muscular physique. This seemingly healthy trend has coincided with the detection of a new form of disordered eating.