Insatisfação com a imagem corporal e uso de suplementos alimentares por praticantes de musculação de Sorocaba - SP

Abstract

Body image dissatisfaction, bodybuilding and the use of dietary supplements are interconnected and play a significant role in contemporary culture, especially in the context of the search for an idealized body. This search can lead to distortions in the perception of body image and harmful health behaviors, such as eating disorders, excessive use of supplements and exercise-related injuries. The objective of this study was to identify the body image of bodybuilders and the use of dietary supplements. An observational, cross-sectional research of an analytical nature was conducted, with data collection from November 2021 to April 2022 on bodybuilders in gyms in the city of Sorocaba-SP. An online questionnaire was applied to characterize sociodemographic, clinical and bodybuilding practices and a photo silhouette scale to assess body image. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and associations between the variables studied using the Chi-square test. 83 practitioners were evaluated, predominantly male (57.8%), aged between 31 and 50 years (57.8%) and with income above 3 minimum wages (51.8%). The analysis of satisfaction with body image revealed that the majority of individuals (84.3%) were dissatisfied with their appearance and an association was observed with sex and use of anabolic steroids (p<0.05). Regarding the use of dietary supplements, it was identified that 77.1% reported use, with an association observed with gender and length of time practicing bodybuilding (p<0.05). The results pointed to a marked presence of dissatisfaction with body image and a high frequency of use of dietary supplements in this group.