Body image distortions and muscle dysmorphia symptoms among Asian men : do exercise status and type matter?

Theoretical Framework: Body image distortions and muscle dysmorphia symptoms were assessed among 78 Asian men who engaged in regular resistance training, aerobic training or did not engage in either. Method: Body fat and muscularity were measured and participants also completed the Muscle Dysmorphia Disorder Inventory. Results: Resistance trained men selected a body shape ideal that was higher in muscularity and lower in body fat. Aerobically trained men also reported higher perceived current Body Fat even though their actual levels were close to their ideal. Conclusion: The results suggest that specificity in body image distortion (e.g., perceived current-ideal versus perceived current-actual) when examining body image distortions might reduce conflicting findings in extant research