Exercise status and sexual orientation as moderators of body image disturbance and eating disorders in males

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the moderating effects of sexual orientation and exercise status on measures of body image and eating disturbance in a sample of men. METHOD: One hundred and thirty-four men completed measures designed to index a range of body image facets (ideals, actual, partner's preference, overall dissatisfaction), eating disturbance (restrictive and bulimic levels), and overall self-esteem. RESULTS: There were few significant effects as a function of exercise status or sexual orientation. Bodybuilders were more satisfied on a global measure of body image and had a higher ideal and actual upper torso size rating. Gay men had a smaller actual upper torso rating than heterosexual men, but ideal size upper torso did not differ as a function of sexual orientation. DISCUSSION: Findings are discussed in terms of methodological limits of previous work and future examinations of moderating factors for body image and eating disturbance in men.