KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Body Image For Boys

We talk a lot about body image issues for girls, but experts say some boys have problems dealing with unrealistic expectations when it comes to their own bodies.  A lot of boys begin working out in middle school and high school trying to get a more manly physique, but some end up taking their interest in their bodies too far.  Some child psychologists call the problem bigorexia.  They say teenage boys with bigorexia believe that their muscles are never big or strong enough.  They become obsessed with working out, sometimes more than 3 hours a day.  They are constantly drinking protein drinks and taking dietary supplements.  They spend a lot of time looking in the mirror and flexing their muscles.  Experts say the teens build their self-esteem and their self-acceptance by building their muscles.  If you notice that your son is working out more than 2 hours a day and spending a lot of time worrying about his body, then you may need to intervene.  Experts say parents need to emphasize a healthy outlook on life by eating healthy and exercising in moderation.  They also say it is a good idea to explain that being a man isn't all about having big muscles.