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May 20, 2026Journal of PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGYOpen Access

Associations between muscle dysmorphia-related body image concerns, physical activity, and body composition: a cross-sectional study among young Asian adults in Malaysia

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Authors

YSYee-How SaySunway University SCShihui ChengUniversity of Nottingham Malaysia Campus NNNur Fadhilah Syuhada NazaruddinSunway University

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Implication

Cross-sectional study finds weak associations between muscle dysmorphia concerns, physical activity, and body composition in young adults, indicating a need for broader psychological considerations.

Key Points

This study aims to explore the relationships between muscle dysmorphia-related body image concerns, physical activity levels, and body composition in young Asian adults.
Conducted a cross-sectional study with 513 university students in Malaysia (207 males, 306 females; median age 21 ± 2 years).
Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing muscle dysmorphia concerns and physical activity levels, and body composition was measured via bioimpedance.
Utilized multiple regression analyses to explore sex differences and correlations between variables.
Males reported significantly higher scores on the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) and Muscle Dysmorphia Disorder Inventory (MDDI), greater skeletal muscle, and higher physical activity levels (p < 0.001).
Females exhibited higher adiposity measures compared to males.
Higher physical activity categories were associated with more severe muscle dysmorphia concerns, with β values of 0.149 for DMS, 0.188 for MDDI, and 0.107 for the Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test (MOET).

Cite This Study

Say et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a0d4fa9f03e14405aa9b096 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40101-026-00427-9

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Implication

Cross-sectional study finds weak associations between muscle dysmorphia concerns, physical activity, and body composition in young adults, indicating a need for broader psychological considerations.

Associations between muscle dysmorphia-related body image concerns, physical activity, and body composition: a cross-sectional study among young Asian adults in Malaysia

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Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Associations between muscle dysmorphia-related body image concerns, physical activity, and body composition: a cross-sectional study among young Asian adults in Malaysia

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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