Why Are So Many Men Unhappy With Their Bodies? - Scott Griffiths - #646

**Chris Williamson** (0:00)
What's happening, people, welcome back to the show. My guest today is Scott Griffiths. He's a researcher and psychologist at the University of Melbourne and an author known for his work on male body dissatisfaction and muscle dysmorphia. Many men have experienced this phenomenon, looking at photos of ripped guys on social media and longing for a more muscular physique. Why are so many men dissatisfied with their bodies, and why do they continue to feel bad, even when they're in great condition? Expect to learn the risk factors associated with body dysmorphia, why men's body dysmorphia is on track to overtake women's, the influence of action figures on our expectations, the preferences men and women truly have regarding different body types, why gay men exhibit higher rates of body dysmorphia, if your concerns over your height and penis size are genuinely warranted, and much more. In other news, this episode is brought to you by Element. Element is a tasty electrolyte drink mix with everything that you need and nothing that you don't. It's a healthy alternative to sugary electrolyte drinks. Each Grab-and-Go stick replaces essential electrolytes with no sugar, no colouring, no artificial ingredients or any other junk. It contains a science-backed electrolyte ratio of sodium, potassium and magnesium. It plays a critical role in reducing muscle cramps and fatigue, whilst optimising brain health, regulating appetite and curbing cravings. Also, there is a no BS, no questions asked refund policy, so you can buy it 100% risk-free. There is an unlimited duration returns, and they will give you your money back even if you don't return the box. That's how confident they are that you'll love it. Head to www.drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom to get a free sample pack of all eight flavours with your first box. That's www.drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom. In other other news, this episode is brought to you by Marek Health. I wanted to get my blood work done, and the best company that I found was Marek Health. You can stop guessing when it comes to your health. They are a telemedicine company that uses blood work to provide valuable insights into how your body is functioning and what might need to be changed to improve performance and longevity. With Marek's comprehensive lab tests, you receive biomarker feedback with actionable steps to improve your metabolism, libido, mood, cognitive health and more. Once you get your labs done at any lab club facility around the United States, you will have the choice to meet with a medical provider to discuss potential treatment options, and Marek Health will organise absolutely everything. It is a one stop shop and the service is phenomenal. I would not go anywhere else. Head to marekhealth.com/modernwisdom and use the code MODERNWISDOM to get 10% of everything site wide. That's marekhealth.com/modernwisdom and Modern Wisdom, a checkout. And in final news, this episode is brought to you by Whoop. Whoop is a personalised digital fitness and health coach that monitors your body's physiology 24-7 via a non-invasive wearable and provides you with feedback on your lifestyle, training, sleep and recovery via an accompanying app. Whoop doesn't just tell you what you've done, it tells you what you need to do. Crucially, it is more than just a fitness tracker, it's a coach that can help to identify areas for improvement in your life, it reinforces positive behaviours and helps you to alleviate bad habits to have a negative impact on your overall health and well-being. You don't even notice that you've got it on, it charges ridiculously quickly, the battery lasts for ages. I love it, I absolutely adore my Whoop. Also, you can join for free, pay nothing for the brand new Whoop 4 strap, plus, you get your first month for free and there's a 30-day money-back guarantee. So you can buy it for free, try it for free, and if you do not like it after 29 days, they'll give you your money back. Head to join.whoop.com/modernwisdom. That's join.whoop.com/modernwisdom.
But now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Scott Griffiths.
What is muscle dysmorphia?

**Scott Griffiths** (4:02)
You can think of it like reverse anorexia. Sometimes it's been called bigorexia or muscle rexia. If anorexia is a preoccupation with wanting to be thin, and typically being successful at achieving that, then muscle dysmorphia is the opposite direction. The preoccupation is wanting to be as muscular, as leanly muscular as possible, and it obviously extends beyond just being a hobby or a pleasurable pastime, and it causes real misery and impairment for the folks who have it.

**Chris Williamson** (4:35)
What are the risk factors for this?

**Scott Griffiths** (4:37)
Risk factors include things like low self-esteem. Guys that have muscle dysmorphia, they almost always have pretty low self-regard, and training, dieting, looking their best is one way to feel better about themselves. Often, it's one of the few, if not the only ways, for them to achieve that. There is often a history of bullying. They may have been skinny when they were younger. Maybe they were fat and were teased and want to do something about it. They may have experienced some trauma, whether physical, sexual, or similar. Often, they're perfectionists.