Muscle Dysmorphia and Satisfaction with Body Image among Gym Users in Lima

Objectives: To explore the presence of muscle dysmorphia (MD) and its relationship with body image satisfaction. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in two districts of Lima, Peru (2023). The population consisted of gym users, of both sexes, over 18 years of age. MD was assessed using the Muscle Appearance Satisfaction Scale (MASS), and Stunkard body silhouette method was used to assess body image. Results: A total of 348 subjects participated, 57.8% (n=201) males and 42.2% (n=147) females. Of the sample, 65.2% (n=227) presented MD, and variables associated with MD were age (p=0.007), frequency of gym attendance (p<0.001) and risk of diabetes mellitus (p=0.006). Regarding satisfaction with body image, 7.5 % (n=26) were satisfied, 54 % (n=188) wished to be thin and 38.5 % (n=134) wished to increase their muscle mass. The variables associated with body image were age (p<0.001), educational level (p=0.004), pathological history (p=0.037) and risk of diabetes mellitus (p<0.001). An association of MD with perceived body image (p<0.001) and desired body image (p=0.044) was found. Conclusions: MD is a common problem, occurring mainly in young people and regular gym-goers. Gym users also show dissatisfaction with their body image. There is an association between MD and body image. It requires making the appropriate surveillance decisions for this specific population.