Bro science, 5 minute abs & Steroids

Online health influencers and their Impact on young men and boys

When you hear about the negative impact social media can have on young men and boys, it’s usually in relation to TOXIC masculinity, people like Andrew Tate or issues surrounding VAWG (violence against women and girls). 

What we don’t hear many people discuss how the online fitness landscape could be causing far more harm than good to our younger male generation.

As we move into another new year, all I’ve seen in my social media feeds are ‘New Year – New Me’, ‘Fitness Challenges’, ‘Instant Abs’ and…..well, you get the idea.  Being someone who is heavily interested in health and well-being, it’s no surprise that my social media algorithms are bombarding me right now.  However even for me (a 50 year old man, who has been interested in this world for many years now) it can still be hard to workout what’s actually good, effective, healthy and safe advice.

So what about young men and boys??? Could an interest in health, actually be unhealthy?

The internet and social media has become an invaluable resource for information, offering tons of advice on health and wellness. While this easy access to knowledge can be empowering, there’s a darker side that often goes unnoticed (and talked about).  The dangerous impact of online health influencers is having on todays young men and boys.

Young men and boys are bombarded with images of sculpted (adult) bodies, six-pack abs, and unrealistic standards of physical perfection. These unrealistic expectations can lead to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and even the development of unhealthy and potentially dangerous habits to attain an unattainable physique.

You are what you eat:

Online health influencers can promote specific diets without considering the individual needs and differences among their audience. Often Making claims that their way is the only way, promoting everything a strict vegan diet to full on carnivore (meat only) and everything else in-between.

Young men and boys may find themselves blindly following extreme diets without proper guidance, leading to nutritional imbalances, deficiencies, and, in some cases, the development of eating disorders. The pursuit of a certain body image may overshadow the importance of a balanced and sustainable approach to nutrition.

Desperate for gains:

The rise of fitness influencers on social media has popularised intense workout routines and extreme exercise regimens. While regular exercise is crucial for overall well-being, the pressure to engage in high-intensity workouts without proper guidance can result in injuries, burnout, and a distorted perception of a healthy lifestyle. Young men and boys may feel compelled to push their bodies to the limit, neglecting the importance of rest and recovery, ultimately leading to serious physical damage.

Drugs (PEDs):

As young men and boys strive to emulate the seemingly unattainable physiques showcased online, a dangerous trend is emerging. The desperate pursuit of rapid results through the use of Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs), including steroids. The desire to reach these unattainable ideals quickly can lead some down the treacherous road of using PEDs. These substances promise rapid muscle growth and enhanced physical performance but come with severe health risks, ranging from cardiovascular issues and liver damage to hormonal imbalances and psychological effects. 

Mental Health:

The focus on physical appearance often overshadows the importance of mental health. online health influences rarely discuss the mental and emotional aspects of well-being, leaving young men and boys unaware of the potential impact on their mental health. Constant comparison and the fear of not measuring up can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues such as muscle dysmorphia or bigorexia (the complete opposite to anorexia)

The Need for Critical Thinking:

To mitigate the dangerous impact of online health influences, it’s essential for young men and boys to approach online content with a critical mindset. Teaching individuals to differentiate between evidence-based advice and sensationalised claims can empower them to make informed decisions about their health and gains. While the internet can be a valuable resource for health information, it’s crucial to recognise the potential dangers it could pose to young men and boys. 

I would recommend anyone interest in a critical and balanced view on health and fitness to seek our people like, Layne Norton PHD, Peter Attia MD, Derek from more plate more dates and Dr Andrew Huberman. 

Written by: Richard Pomfrett – Boyz-2-Men

Photo by Andre Taissin on Unsplash