Muscularity Concerns and Disordered Eating Symptoms in Adult Women: A Network Analysis

This study examined the role of muscularity concerns in eating disorder (ED) symptoms among a sample of women. We expanded on previous research by exploring a broader range of ED symptoms, including orthorexia (ON) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Using network analysis, we analysed data from 308 adult women (18 years or older) who completed muscularity, disordered eating, and sociodemographic assessments. Our findings revealed five interconnected symptom communities reflecting traditional ED symptoms, such as eating concerns and shape and weight overvaluation. Notably, muscularity concerns emerged as a distinct community, emphasising their relevance to ED symptoms in women. Additionally, we identified selective eating tendencies and compulsive healthy eating. Highly central symptoms were rumination about healthy eating, fear and guilt over unhealthy eating, body-related embarrassment, and muscularity concerns (wishing to be heavier, wishing for heavier arms). These results suggest that muscularity concerns could constitute a uniquely identifiable and central diagnostic target for body image concerns and disordered eating in women.