Body Image and Muscle Dysmorphia in Competitive Weightlifters: Relationships Across Variables

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of Body Image (BI) and Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) among weightlifters and to examine whether these variables differ according to selected demographic and sport-related characteristics. A descriptive survey design was employed, and the sample consisted of 203 weightlifters (n = 203; females = 108, age = 16.04 ± 2.22 years; males = 95, age = 17.53 ± 3.26 years) who participated in National Team (NT) selection events across various categories. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, the Body Image Scale (BIS), and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI). Normality of the data was assessed using skewness and kurtosis, and homogeneity of variances was tested with Levene’s test. When assumptions of normality and homogeneity were met, independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey HSD tests were applied; when homogeneity was violated, Welch ANOVA and Games-Howell tests were used. Relationships between BI and MD and their subdimensions were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Results indicated a significant inverse relationship between BI and MD symptoms among weightlifters. No significant differences were found for variables such as gender, naitional team status (NT), and daily training duration (TD); however, certain subdimensions varied according to BMI and age. These findings suggest that resistance exercises, such as weightlifting, may promote a healthier BI among young individuals, potentially reducing symptoms of MD.

Keywords

• Body image
• Muscle dysmorphia
• Performance
• Weightlifting

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