How Modern Media Makes Men Miserable With Their Bodies - Scott Griffiths

Scott Griffiths is a researcher and psychologist at the University of Melbourne and an author known for his work on male body dissatisfaction and muscle dysmorphia.
Many men have experienced this phenomenon - looking at photos of ripped guys on social media and longing for a more muscular physique. Why are so many men dissatisfied with their bodies and why do they continue to feel bad even when they're in great condition?
Expect to learn the risk factors associated with body dysmorphia, why men's body dysmorphia is on track to overtake women's, the influence of action figures on the our expectations, the preferences men and women truly have regarding different body types, why gay men exhibit higher rates of body dysmorphia, if your concerns over your height and penis size are genuinely warranted and much more...
Sponsors:
Get 10% discount on all Gymshark’s products at bit.ly/sharkwisdom (use code: MW10)
Get 10% discount on Marek Health’s comprehensive blood panels at marekhealth.com/modernwisdom (use code: MODERNWISDOM)
Get the Whoop 4.0 for free and get your first month for free at join.whoop.com/modernwisdom (discount automatically applied)
Extra Stuff:
Follow Scott on Twitter - / scott1griffiths
Get my free Reading List of 100 books to read before you die → chriswillx.com/books/
To support me on Patreon (thank you): / modernwisdom
#bodybuilding #bodydysmorphia #fitness
-
00:00 Intro
00:40 What is Muscle Dysmorphia?
04:53 Attaching Self-Worth to How Your Body Looks
12:29 What is Causing These Disorders?
21:55 How Body Dysmorphia Can Seem Like a Good Thing
28:26 Social Media’s Impact on How We View Ourselves
35:48 Cultural Trends Impacting Our View of Male & Female Bodies
42:24 Is There Such a Thing as Business & Lifestyle Dysmorphia?
47:43 Scott’s Grindr Study of Dysmorphia in Gay Men
57:27 What Men Worry About Most with their Bodies
1:05:00 Where to Find Scott
-
Get access to every episode 10 hours before KZbin by subscribing for free on Spotify - spoti.fi/2LSimPn or Apple Podcasts - apple.co/2MNqIgw
Get my free Reading List of 100 life-changing books here - chriswillx.com/books/
-
Get in touch in the comments below or head to...
Instagram: / chriswillx
Twitter: / chriswillx
Email: chriswillx.com/contact/

[@ChrisWillx]

Hello you beauties. Access all episodes 10 hours earlier than KZbin by Subscribing on Spotify - spoti.fi/2LSimPn or Apple Podcasts - apple.co/2MNqIgw. Here’s the timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:40 What is Muscle Dysmorphia? 04:53 Attaching Self-Worth to How Your Body Looks 12:29 What is Causing These Disorders? 21:55 How Body Dysmorphia Can Seem Like a Good Thing 28:26 Social Media’s Impact on How We View Ourselves 35:48 Cultural Trends Impacting Our View of Male & Female Bodies 42:24 Is There Such a Thing as Business & Lifestyle Dysmorphia? 47:43 Scott’s Grindr Study of Dysmorphia in Gay Men 57:27 What Men Worry About Most with their Bodies 1:05:00 Where to Find Scott

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@SaltyDogPerformance]

Thank you for this episode. This hits so hard in my mind and clarifies a lot of things I’ve felt for most of my life since the age of 12. Now at 37, I still feel these feelings. I’ve always felt smaller than everyone else and looked like shit, yet I have dude’s bigger than me in the gym saying they wish they looked like me. 5’9” at 165-170lb and 12% BF consistently for years. I would see a picture of myself out on the beach and notice that I did look good. But when I looked in the mirror I saw that 12 year old getting picked on in grade school. Then December of last year I started having issues with heart rate and blood pressure which quickly spiraled. Months go by and no answer from doctors. Wasn’t able to workout for 6 months. Then got diagnosed with dysautonomia. Now I’m 149lbs and would give anything to have that 15-20lbs back and just enjoy it. I have a long recovery, but it has taken something like this chronic condition to humble me and become more comfortable in my own skin. However, people that knew me for being very fit, when I see them now after not seeing them for months, they point out how much weight I’ve lost. Total mind fuck.

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@winterskiU]

In the US, 74% of the population is overweight or obese. Combined with seeing only the best male physiques (females get a pass...body positivity only applies to women). Men have never been so far from the ideal male body, 60 years ago, what percentage of the population was overweight.

[@naughtyhieroglyph669]

Underweight was a problem. During the draft for ww2 there were a lot of men who were underweight. men gained weight at bootcamp.

[@marks-0-0]

Just watch some old footage of street scenes from the 50's or 60's. Not a single fat person. You need to actually consider what is different then it hits you.

[@MrZola1234]

And he said only 1/3 of the people with the disorder are skinny... but that is his focus. The much more important thing is to deal with the heavy people.

[@michaelblazin4093]

I can’t be an A plus student so I’ll flunk the class instead? How does that make any sense? Sure, they may be guys upset with seeing images of jacked guys. But it is not society’s fault that you let yourself get overweight.

[@sciencefliestothemoon2305]

@@michaelblazin4093 actually, society embraced consumerism which lead to the mass production of unbelievable amounts of highly addictive highly caloric food. You can almost get fat buy slipping up and getting used to the readily available food. And a lot of people do not necessarily have the smarts or suspicion to be careful around food.

[@kimdecker8901]

Mr. Williamson: A very vulnerable, empathic treatment of a legit problem that doesn't get enough attention--absent yours. And as a woman, I found it eye-opening; we're not the only ones who suffer from these insecurities. Gonna share this episode with the men in my life. Thank you!

[@orneryoverwatch7031]

I'd wager most men in your life are well aware and can tell you more about this issue than you may think. It's just that we're in that culture that tells me to suck-it-up and not complain, so to many, men's issues just don't exist (not saying this is you).

[@kimdecker8901]

@@orneryoverwatch7031 Thanks for the perspective, Ornery. I hope that the more folks talk about this stuff, the better-off we’ll all be in the end.🤞

[@PB22559]

@@kimdecker8901 Women don't want men to open up to them about their problems, that's why men don't do it. We've had to learn that the hard way, from experience. Women want the man to be the 'rock'. If the man is constantly bringing up his insecurities and self esteem issues, the woman will eventually leave him. By the way, all the men I know do talk about these issues, just not with women. The fact that you said 'I found it eye opening, we're not the only ones who suffer from these insecurities', proves my point. You didn't even realise men would have these type of issues because you've never even given it a thought.

[@dumfriesspearhead7398]

​@@PB22559Or because they don't talk about it with women.

[@Zotok990]

Please do you might save a life.

[@nickst0ne]

I know it was mentioned at the beginning of the show, but still it feels to me like it should have been hammered more intensely that what this is about is DYSMORPHIA, which is a perception of one's body image far-removed from the reality of it. Just so viewers wouldn't be confused with the focus on making one's body better, with an accurate perception of how good/bad it is.

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

I was a competitive bodybuilder for a decade from 16-26. I had this issue to a degree after meeting my wife who supported my competing but made sure I knew she was with me because she thought I was a good man not that I looked good with my clothes off. Also getting seriously injured and realizing my life didn’t end when I shrank helped me out things into perspective. Now I still enjoy training but only because I enjoy moving weights and have a much healthier relationship with food

[@timwannell6477]

well done mate. Glad you're healthy and happy 👍

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@nickfarrow9032]

As an adolescent and right up to my 30s, this was me (I'm now 43). I was an extremely skinny kid; other kids would do the wrist thing and put their fingers round it; they called me 'matchstick' or 'sticky' (a riff on my name). It didn't really help that when I hit 14 I shot up and was 6' 1" by the time I was 15 - yes I was tall, but I was skinny with it. I was always conscious of how 'inferior' I looked by being skinny, even under 10 years old (other boys reminded me of it daily) , but it wasn't until I was 18/19 that I decided to try and do something about it by going to the gym. This wasn't because others pressurised me to do it; by then I was part of an 'alternative' friend group who didn't care what you looked like, but I still felt I was inferior. I still got teased by others outside my friend group. The trouble is, my physiology (like many other slimmer people's) isn't genetically 'programmed' to gain muscle (something I found out much later in life). I did six months at the gym and yes I put on some muscle, but not much and I gave up about 6 months later. I tried again in my early 20s by lifting at home, but the same results occurred - I just couldn't gain much muscle. Another attempt when I was in my early 30s was more successful (by this point my metabolic rate had slowed a bit), but I was never 'ripped', just slightly more athletic looking. Now I'm in my early 40s, things are actually quite different.I'm still slim and I think I always will be, but I'm fit and healthy. Suddenly being tall and slim (I don't refer to myself as skinny any more) is actually a good thing. Many men my age are overweight and unfit and look much older than they are. I'm told I look 30 something! I feel much more confident looking as I do now. It's just a shame that people were so critical when I was younger and that I hated myself so much for the way I looked. I still carry those 'scars' with me today and I will never be as confident as my peers, but it has got better as I've got older. I've grown into my body so to speak.

[@robpalwrites]

Yep, I'm 44 and had similar experiences that you described, although was hampered from exercise between ages 11 and 21 due to a chronic illness. I've now been working out regularly for just over 5 years, but still feel way too skinny. I'm giving myself until I turn 45 to see how I feel, then who knows where I'll turn. After watching this podcast I might turn to therapy.

[@SpataWorks]

It's nice to see so many other guys who also went and go through this. For girls it's a compliment to be skinny but as a guy it can be pretty awful as people will shamelessly humiliate you in public. I had to lift weights in front of my parents as their insecurities carried over to us and it didn't do anything even with HGH. Still a twig but in shape, couldnt get myself to take my shirt off around the pool on vacation around my cousins who are all body builders

[@hamilcarbarca8659]

I was small and skinny and was terrorized in jr high. In freshman year , I smashed a brick into some dudes head. It stopped for good after that.

[@nickfarrow9032]

@@hamilcarbarca8659 nice. I don't like violence, but I think bullies only understand one language. My son was bullied at school in his teens because of the same issue and they ended up breaking his arm. We pulled him out of that school after that. Can't help thinking if he'd broken one of their noses they might have stopped. I've told my daughter who's still at school that if she gets bullied to kick the bully as hard as possible between the legs. I don't care if she gets in trouble for it as bullies don't stop until they get a dose of their own. I know she won't do it as she gentle like my son and me, but hey.

[@RR-et6zp]

vjust do Kinobody

[@ThePrototypexx]

I've researched this a few years ago from when I started getting into the gym and building up from being skinny. This video articulates this soo well. Thanks for the upload.

[@dannyboy1200]

There is a serious double standard right now in Hollywood in terms of acceptable body representation. In the most recent Thor movie they literally photoshopped Chris Heimsworth's back to look more muscular. Imagine if they editted Natalie Portman's boobs to look bigger. Ridiculous. This is just part of the trend that made Conan the Barbarian the stock wild man look, but Red Sonja's design is completely unacceptable (by modern standards).

[@cricket12ish]

What are you talking about. They made thor fat. Artificially

[@dannyboy1200]

@@cricket12ish That's avengers. Not the latest Thor movie. In that Avengers movie you still had Captain America.

[@dannyboy1200]

@@tempsoda Nowadays you often hear "real women don't look like that" when it comes to movies or games. I'm sure it's still an ongoing problem but at least it's recognize. The same courtesy isn't extended to men.

[@danielcraig9666]

​@@brianmeen2158And putting on height is impossible but that's expected too.

[@dannyboy1200]

@@tempsoda I've heard of photoshopping and airbrushing for magazines. And of course makeup and such before getting on the screen. But this Thor incident is of note because it's the first time I've heard of them specifically enhancing a body part in an actual big budget movie. Especially in the modern era when it's supposed to be all about body positivity. An idea that's often pushed by companies like Disney. Again, can you imagine if they digitally enhanced Natalie Portman's chest or butt? There would be crazy amounts of backlash.

[@NoTime4NoHo]

I knew damn well I had it. “Your arms look like corn dog sticks” (Pointing at a stick figure) “it’s a realistic portrait of you” Got dumped for a bigger better looking guy. I can’t even take two days off from the gym or I feel absolutely terrible and I feel skinny even though I haven’t lost anything.

[@AtheismF7W]

You dodged a bullet with that one.

[@anabltc]

Jeez 🙈🙈 that was nasty and count yr blessings

[@BulletPointFitnessPodcast]

For me it was "your arms are like tennis balls, mine are like rugby balls". And "you need to get some meat on you" was a classic

[@brendanarthur5177]

Dude I have it too- but we have all been dumped. Remember u dodges a bullet. You are better off without her. please don’t waste your time beating yourself up. Go enjoy your life and find someone who values you for you.

[@NoTime4NoHo]

@@brendanarthur5177 oh nah, dating isn’t on the table for me lol. I don’t even like myself, nor can I speak to women who actually (clearly) find me attractive. In definitely dying single lmao.

[@jonnynoakes9070]

Another awesome episode dude, you get more wise and eloquent by each upload man!

[@leebrown1049]

Another great interview with information I've not heard anywhere else Chris. Top job and hope all is well.

[@requiem-ph5xx]

I didn’t realise how much of a issue muscle dysmorphia is for me until I watched this :(

[@ChrisWillx]

It’ll get easier as you get older. Trust me. WAGMI

[@requiem-ph5xx]

@@ChrisWillx cheers Chris, as I get stronger and build more muscle as I get older it should help too😂

[@suezcontours6653]

@@ChrisWillx So representation does matter? Diversity is good?

[@ModelJames13]

@@ChrisWillx Not in my 40-year-old opinion. I care more now than ever.

[@AdamMc192]

@@ChrisWillxyou can also work directly on body image rather than waiting and hoping.

[@NotoriousBBB]

A couple of years ago i was shredded sub 8% bodyfat and still felt fat, looking back it't actually insane. I had 0 energy and was still trying to cut down, getting up at 2am to go to the gym before work and fasting constantly. Not healthy, thankfully i can see the shape im in and appreciate it. Thanks for the video!

[@RR-et6zp]

vjust do Kinobody

[@aspenwagon04]

I don't even have to watch this. Its because we are all constantly told we aren't good enough or are too much. We are never just accepted as people, only for what we provide. So we try our best to improve ourselves so that we can provide for everyone except ourselves.

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@tidepoolastronaut1138]

It's interesting to see a lot of comment talking about how this is just a talk about fat acceptance men's division. It's not. Yes in the US/Canada/UK/Australia more men than ever are obese but this conversation is more a focus on the men who are already dialed in on their health who feel like they will never be enough when they are already enough. This is a conversation about already healthy men not feeling adequate. I'm a bulimic woman. I gained a ton of weight from binge eating without purging and became obese. I knew I was fat and it made me uncomfortable but I didn't really have body dysmorphia because my self image was in line with reality. I've lostmost of the weight, I workout a lot and I fit in a size 4 now. I still see myself as I was at a size 16 and that is body dysmorphia. I eat at an extreme deficit to try and be smaller even though everyone keeps telling me that I'm in my best ever shape. That is what they are talking about here. It's horrible that more people have to experience this, especially healthy people who are already fine. It's horrible that men now feel the need to do dangerous and toxic things to fit an ideal that just doesn't typically naturally exist. Really good episode and more people need to speak on men with body dysmorphia and eating disorders.

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@mhuntprofessional]

1. Love who you are right now. 2. All of your competition SHOULD BE with yourself. Strive to be the version of yourself in the future who you would be proud of if you time traveled and met yourself. 3. No matter how bad you THINK you are now, unless your situation is GROSSLY out of control, you will eventually look back at pictures or whatever and realize you WISHED you could be that again. Time has hands. Give it long enough and eventually you'll wish you could trade back all the time you spent worrying about your insecurities to just BE that version of yourself again.

[@californicationuk]

I'm mini David Gogogins and I would like to answer your question What do you do when your life comes to halt? I simply don't workout in the morning but I still read Daily Stoic I still meditate and journal every day. I'm laying on my back -day 9 -nasty fracture. It's the Stoic philosophy that carries me through the good times and bad times. It turned out I'm not BS. Although my injury is bad I know I'll be back and I find the way to enjoy life. I even call it blessing in disguise. My mind is mine. I even went through morphine withdrawals 3 days ago as I'd rather suffer pain then loose clarity of my mind. In a way all of my training and lifestyle was preparing me for this moment, and I delivered. So I'll be back stronger then every, maybe even reborn. Amor fati PS surgery on Wednesday PPS your podcasts means the world to me, thank you 46:10

[@Chucksta-iwnl-]

great topic sir williamson

[@rjflores438]

It doesn't help that most guys walk around and get zero attention and validation from women, when they go on online dating they also get zero attention and interest, what do you expect to happen when you feel so unseen and you are not even that particularly physically unattractive? Ie your not obese and you are normal body weight, not saying women dont get bombarded with body image pressures to but they also get validated by other women and men about how they look, in my workplace women are always complimenting each other on how they look, when I come in with a cool new haircut or a change of style I still get nothing, think of how much validation women get for their physical appearance compared to men, even morbidly obese pop stars like Lizzo get more positive comments on their appearance than a guy who goes to the gym and is slim or maybe has a little bodyfat on him, or doesn't happen to look like a fitness model and not out of shape, its depressing to think that generally guys like this get less validation for their appearance than an unhealthy obese woman.

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

You can't compare Lizzo, a celebrity, to a normal guy. Men are venal about overweight women, calling them all kinds of nasty things. Stop crying about this; it's easier for guys to lose weight. The real validation is how much better you feel in and of yourself. Doing it SOLELY to attract women is playing a losing game.

[@michaelvanderlaan5629]

I've always found it weird if a male friend complimented me on my looks, it's just not a masculine thing to do, if you want validation as a man you need to do something interesting, or have a great sense of humour. Fishing for compliments based on your appearance is a feminine trait and women dont find that attractive, or might just assume you're gay. Find validation through something else. If you want to look good do it for yourself not for people around you, you'll come off as way more confident and when that happens you will get way more female attention.

[@Poecilia1963]

You can tell someone they're good looking or beautiful (or a great person) a thousand times; if they are insecure, they simply won't believe you. Validation comes from within.

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

@@Poecilia1963 Good point and not only that, they may have been complimented in the past but because it didn't come in a way they WANTED it to, they didn't notice.

[@E33Tpro]

Finally this gets talked about properly, thank you!

[@robpalwrites]

Great conversation. The discussions at 30:00 and 45:00 particularly hit home.

[@strictlyaesthetic9202]

Wow.....A REAL podcast containing REAL sometimes BRUTALLY honest information that needs to be heard ....... Thank You.... The truth eventually rises to the top.

[@ZacksRockingLifestyle]

Great podcast. Really had to evaluate some things!

[@Boz196]

If you are unhappy with how you look it really isn't hard to get into the gym for a few hours a week. I'm glad that I'm constantly exposed to men much greater than myself, It gives me something to aspire to. Saying that however, I don't compare myself to them I compare myself to the person I used to be.

[@Erica-cf1xb]

Use that competitive spirit for good. Pour into yourself...overflow it. Try not to obsess over it. Often times, we are our own worst enemies. You will be alright.😊

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@bionicnichola9251]

Great interview, Chris ! It's good to know men struggle too with their bodies. I've been through so many transformations myself and changed my training plans and different peaks. Likewise Chris i look back and think the same ! 😊

[@Fuk_Zat_Tek]

Personal experience : Used to be slim from 0 to 8 years old Then more and more fat from 8 to 16 YO, up to 80 Kg for 1.74 m ( 176 Lbs / 5"85 ) First job at 17 yo => really phisical, lost 8 Kg in a single month, then start body building right after and on the next 4 months lost 8 Kg again ... gone from 80 to 64 Kg , so overall i lost 35 Lbs on less than 6 months ... i spend the next 5 years to lose only 3 more Kg !! and transform the rest of my fat into muscles. ( yes , muscle is way more heavy than fat ) I was slim , 61 Kg for 1.74 m ( 135 Lbs / 5"85 ) , nearly a women weight, i was working out 5 or 6 times a week and running 2 x 10 Km , was strong and fit in my early 20"s ... Know what ? i was still looking at this little piece of fat on my 2 lower abs... Just to reach perfection And so what ? What's the problem with looking for that 6 pack after have been shamed for years by others and you find that inner motivation to achieve it !! Everyone saying me " you're too slim , you're lean " , even the doctor who said to me i was dismorphophobic ...Truth is i've never been such in a good condition than at this time ... i just naturally have a light skeleton , so 61 Kg affraid people around me as if it was not normal ...and let me tell you , usually we should not listen to our families, cause they've been used to see us like chubbies with a round face and they got a shock on the rapid change ... and more , they're often far from our commitment with sport. Some people around me , told me i was probably anorexic , even my parents which i was living with at this time !! and told me to eat less cause i cost them too much 🤣🤣 how the f**k is that possible ? people are not logic ... Saying i was anorexic at the time i was eating something like 4000 Kcal / day , cooking 300 gr of pasta and 500 Gr of beef every evening !! Litterlay eating like 2 people and they told me i was anorexic 🙄 if you have a target , stick to it , don't worry , your body will tell you if you're going too far.

[@johnwindisman2803]

Chris, I like your discussions however look at your banner pic on this channel. That is exactly the issue that you are discussing. Why did you choose to display that pic? It's a look at me and see how great I look pic! Also, reflect on the products that sponsor your channel. Many are focused on getting that jacked body. Do you think you are contributing to the problem? I have to call you out and say that these things take our focus away from your message of taking control of one's own life and being the best person we can be. Something to think about.

[@nealasher]

On the other hand, diet and slinging weights around at the gym is a cure low self esteem etc for a damned sight more people than those who acquire ‘body dysmorphia’. This ‘warning’ seems a bit like the crabs in the bucket thing.

[@funwithmadness]

Tangentially related... As background, I've always been thin and during adolescence I had been criticized for it. I've never been obsessed with "fixing" my weight but freely admit there are areas that I'd like to see improved. I just know I don't have the discipline to do it. Fast-forward a number of years and I needed a reference image of a figure for drawing. So I took a picture of myself then traced it to get the outline. (That's all I needed was the outline.) Granted the tracing was stylized a bit, but overall I was shocked by how not frail I looked. In fact, my own outline reminded me of a comic-book hero physique (like Spiderman, not the Hulk). My point being, the dissonance between objective and subjective observation of one's self, particularly in the mirror, is hard to perceive and adjust for. By abstracting my body as a drawing, completely eliminating the details of my face, I was able to actually see what I looked like without the years of the "you're too skinny" filter.

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@splewy]

This spoke to me. As a kid, I was always naturally skinny and young for my grade. This really became an issue around age 13-15. Suddenly I was surrounded by older boys in my grade who physically dwarfed me, and they knew it. They would frequently physically intimidate and mock me because they could. The attention from girls being disproportionately directed to these more physically developed boys was also painfully, and constantly visible as well. This experience “taught” me from an early age that I would never be loved, valued or respected as a man unless I was big and physically powerful. By my mid teens I finally grew to a fairly average 5’10”, and in my 20s I started working out hard and eating as much as I could. I gained 35lbs of muscle and 50lbs total. I would say I look pretty average now and I know I’m physically more capable than most guys I know. People also frequently tell me I’m attractive and say I look just like Hollywood various actors (I get Chris Evans and Paul Walker a lot). People treat me a lot better in general. No one has physically threatened me or commented negatively on my appearance in a very long time. But in my mind, I can never seem to get away from that fear that I’m still that skinny little kid that everyone picks on or ignores.

[@tstartrekdude]

14:30 The wrist thing, god that hit hard. Yeah some of that stuff stays with you.

[@jakobquetting5555]

Great podcast!

[@evanstroud]

This is spot-on for me and many friends; I think the topic will continue to grow more relevant in the coming years as male-targeted media feels increasingly fixated on the so-called "alpha" attributes like wealth, physical prowess, and lone wolf mentality. In proper balance, being driven and successful, physically fit and active, or independent are all virtuous goals! But nobody seems to be pushing the balance aspect nearly as hard as the others. One of my favorites yet - thanks Chris for sharing and looking forward to seeing you hit 1M and beyond. Well-deserved!

[@danielzavalahuerta]

What do you think of my belief that being able to pursue balance is a privilege? I was born into an extremely shitty situation but luckily still in the USA, I’ll spare you the details and boredom, and the idea of finding a balance is so ridiculous I just laugh it off.

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@wojohowitz5432]

I am a 54 YO former rugby player 6' 2" tall, a lean 195lbs. I am FINALLY living in the Body I always knew I should have, could have. It may sound silly, but I use the statues of men from ancient Greece and Rome for inspiration as they depict true Natural, healthy, strong physiques. I avoid the Magazines, the Societal pressures, the BS on Instagram etc.... I also balance body and mind.... it took me 48 years of life to understand this. I am stronger, fitter and of clear mind.

[@studbunnyzeus]

I’ve been seeing a lot of news about bodybuilders dying from heart issues and suicide recently and it’s got me highly questioning what I’m doing.. the idea of the Adonis complex came up in a reel today and that brought me here.. I’m only 5 minutes in and I feel like I relate to this more than anything I’ve ever come accross.. I’ve been obsessed with my body since I can remember.. I grew up fat.. luckily I’ve never tried steroids.. although I’ve considered it these news lately have convinced me to just stick to what I’m doing as a habit rather than trying to achieve “perfection”

[@klimtkiller]

30% of women on bumble set their height filter to accept men below 5'11. This is a height FILTER, not just a preference. What is this guy on? He completely underestimates women's pickyness regarding looks

[@sol-hunter2332]

I used to (and still do to a degree) huge body image issues. I was chronically skinny as a kid and teen and even in my early 20s, and I got teased and criticized for it. I started to gain weight and put on muscle in my 20s due to life style changes, but it was never enough. I didn't realize how good of shape I was in until I started eating more to cope, and gained too much weight. I feel better about my body now that I've worked through my mental issues more, but its still there. Currently working on getting my eating in check now lol

[@nanaisloved2736]

I have to say the shift from thinspo to fitspo saved my life kinda, I was underweight and finally gained confidence to eat a lot and lift weights. First I was still obsessed with staying lean, but now I'm bulking. I fit into biggerexia though, always focused on how to gain more muscle and optimize my day and move most of the time etc, lost many friends too... But it's still much better than the state I was in before

[@biobio903]

The only thing that bothers me now is that women are being fed that they deserve to have an Adonis of a man despite being a tub of lard. There is a massive expectation imbalance. YASS Queen!!! You deserve it!

[@instantkarma1229]

😂 so true

[@SuperSarahbop]

Women have been dealing with men expecting what men to look a certain way for much longer. I’m not dismissing your feelings. I’m just pointing out the similarities that exist and how both sexes have suffered from what’s expected.

[@troyhardie1159]

Most women can't understand what's truly sexy about a man. Only other men do. Cry about it but it's so true

[@biobio903]

@SuperSarahbop you make a good point and I agree historically that is the case. I think that my point is that it doesn’t serve most women well to expect the 1% chad to stay with her after he beds her. I think dating apps have ruined most men’s self esteem and distorted most women’s sense of options.

[@naughtyhieroglyph669]

Ever reject a woman? Best feeling ever to be the one rejecting.

[@SmellyCat808]

Yet another one that hits home. Never been jacked persay, so if I had anything it's, probably more body than muscle dysmorphia. But, have always been on a consistent workout schedule since college/uni (20 years ago). The only things that stop me are illness and injury. Was fat growing up in a time where people let you know about it lol. Even though I've been lean or at least somewhat built for decades. I still cringe for a split second before taking off my shirt at the beach ⛱️. I even felt it a little when he said "beach" lol. Edit: Had to try and edit bc KZbin started showing a different username for some reason

[@suezcontours6653]

So why do we debunk POC representation if unattainable white male bodies are a concern? This guy clearly made a case for diversity for everyone including white males of normal proportion

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@sarahbrenden3203]

Damn. This episode struck true to me.

[@kurtloban3664]

I mean, who cares? I'd rather be obsessed with being the best I can be versus out of shape, depressed and not doing my best. I am more confident, I enjoy the challenge, it gives me higher levels of testosterone, people take me more seriously, etc. I have the knowledge to know that some of these photos of other guys would basically be unachievable. We can all go overboard, but I'd rather go overboard with a little unhealthiness in something that tends to be healthy that can still have benefits versus alternatives (social media, alcohol, etc). It's called radical ownership.

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@DTOWNRW16]

14:20 hits the nail on the head. Skinny wrists paranoia. The goalposts are always moving. Ive been in the gym now for 9 years. Took years to reach goals i had originally wanted to achieve. When i got there i felt great, but the feeling didnt last. Its at that point you need to sit back and ask yourself why am i really doing this? My realtionship with the gym has never been better since admitting i had the problem, and now finally feel as if ive overcome it. I will never be Chris bumstead. Hell ill never be Chris Evans. But there is something to be said striving for self improvement in the gym as it has helped me outside of the gym as well.

[@RR-et6zp]

vjust do Kinobody

[@Kazuyaa3]

Well I didn't expect to be personally attacked like this ... hahah. I stopped and wrote down the quote from @43:50, that is the nail on the head right there. This and the analogy of climbing the wrong mountain of values, from MW 621 with David Laid (Still surprises me how articulate he is) really resonates. The fine line between simply existing and actually living. Food for Thought!

[@lancebarajas6484]

I struggle with this. Always been a thin, lanky dude and it's always bothered me. Nowadays I'm in really good shape from my job. I have low body fat, lift a lot, do a ton of calisthenics, and run a ton but no matter how much muscle i put on, i always feel like a string bean.

[@Auticusx]

Now lets go into how culture treats muscularly lean men many times over better than their fat counterparts, and how females focus on 9s and 10s that are lean and muscular and the rest of men are invisible. I think that plays a HUGE role in why this has become a problem.

[@Honeyfaced1]

🙄 This is not true at all. Average and even unattractive and overweight men are dating and marrying every day. Why, because they are dating and marrying their female counterparts. The problem is that most of you guys who say these things want and go after the 22 year old Instagram models who have tons of options. Then you get bitter when they don’t want you. Date women in your own “league “ and you won’t have any problems getting dates.

[@Krelian4400]

This is the biggest factor by FAR.

[@Auticusx]

@@Honeyfaced1 sorry but... there are actual statistics that deal with this that show you are quite wrong. Its true that there are overweight guys getting married. But its also true that statistically something like 50% of people are single and marriages have hit a cliff and have fallen off that cliff and that women statistically in cold hard numbers find 4 out of 5 men unattractive. Women in our own league. lmao. A man that is a 5 - his league are women that are 1s and 2s. There is a whole plethora of hard statistical data on this topic that you actively choose to ignore and live in some fantasy fairy tale world in. Granted a lot of 1s and 2s feel they are 7s and 8s so there is that as well.

[@nicolasgirard2808]

This isn't a gendered issue, women also get treated a lot better when they're attractive and thin.

[@fireironthesecond2909]

@@Honeyfaced1well put 👍

[@carlosistribe]

It’s wild to think a few years ago, I was a personal trainer at a high end gym with a beach body

[@ChrisWillx]

You got this man.

[@missano3856]

19% isn't that fat, you are within 2-3 months of fairly lean.

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@mattharris9015]

what made you stop personal training? just curious

[@RR-et6zp]

@@missano3856 just do Kinobody

[@Dynasty1818]

If women were more realistic on men's bodies, men would stop caring so much about looking like Chris Hemsworth.

[@Nicefoolkilla]

My muscle dysmorphophobia startrd when i was 20 and for the first time i started working out. Then i noticed my body was not symmetrical - my right side is a tad bit bigger than my left side ( pecs, biceps and shoulder!) For years, i couldn't accept that in me and stopped working out all together. I just dont focus on it anymore cause i realized it was stealing my happiness and only crrating a weird obsession in me.

[@Infoseek777]

Yet the things everyone has the most control about is being able to reduce body fat and build muscles

[@DoubleOhSilver]

Not easy though, I have to eat like a pig to gain muscle 😔

[@Infoseek777]

@@DoubleOhSilver I find lowering body fat makes your muscles look way better, no matter how big they are…. Just work with what ya got

[@djackson4605]

@@DoubleOhSilver Eh, there's a very high likelihood you are doing it sub-optimally. Eating "like a pig" is very much not required for the vast majority of people. Try eating 30-40 grams of protein spaced 4-6 hours apart, 3 times per day. Then make sure you're training intensely, that means you should be flat out shaking with exhaustion at the end of your 3rd or 4th set on each muscle group, moderate to extreme burning/tearing sensation (in the muscle, not joints or sensitive areas). 95% of people don't train for shit, they're just wasting time going through the motions without feeling them.

[@TheMuscleArchitect]

This guy just wrote my autobiography for me 🙏

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@beeman4266]

I was always unhappy with how i looked so i got into lifting at 15. Got into bodybuilding at 20, gear at 25. Now im 30 and look better than I ever dreamed possible. And I still have no self esteem. Sure I feel better than i would if i was fat and out of shape but being fit never helped me with women or tangibly improved any aspect of my life. So now i just keep lifting because its all i know really.

[@epicbehavior]

So actual muscle dysmorphia is like tripping on psilocybin? We might as well start diagnosing hyper successful entrepreneurs too.

[@theconversation9103]

Unfortunately, P size anxiety will be an increasing issue in the future because lots of pre-puberty boys are seeing pron more and more and as such would have built up certain expectations by the time those hormones kick in

[@MII2o90]

When I think about it. I always had a form of muscle dismorphia. I remember going on 6km runs around a lake near my place in order to lose some weight. I was in the 5th grade so around 10 years old. Unfurtunately I'm now in my 30s and nothing has changed on that front for me. Throughout my life I was never really satisfied with the shape of my body. And I gain weight so easily. For example, I took a pause of 2 weeks from my workout routine and I gained 5kg. In just 2 weaks, my whole body changed and it is driving me crazy

[@scottbarnett3566]

You were overeating! Master your eating protocol

[@draggsy2]

Sounds like you might have an eating disorder. You shouldn't have to do cardio to not gain that much weight. Lower your calorie intake. Check out what amount of calories you need with calorie calculator.

[@MII2o90]

@@draggsy2 Thanks for the reply. I booked an appointment with an nutritionist. I hope I can solve my problem once and for all

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@MII2o90]

@@RR-et6zp thanks for the tip. I will check it out

[@wooderness2824]

Because we use Hollywood actors as a frame of reference. Then we have Instagram influencers that use steroids but tell the public they are completely free from steroid use. So our idea of what the male body is supposed to look like is incorrect. We are all trying to chase a body that in unobtainable naturally.

[@JimmyMFP]

15:15, I’m not sure that’s quite right. I’d say that for most men we can rely on our fitness and control what we put in our bodies; the rest of life happens to us and around us. So, whilst it’s an element of control, I’d say it’s more akin to having a calm centre to hurricane of your life. It’s not about a false fallacy where you think it’ll solve your insecurities, instead it’s acting as a reliable staging ground for you to build your life around.

[@jayvincent1865]

I'm all for people loving there selves the way they are. This doesn't mean that self love should be above physical health when advertising or influencing.

[@ilikecommenting6849]

Watching this during my daily 3 hour cycling session because I'm 15% bf (230 pounds 5'10) and consider myself chubby.

[@rjim1]

Wow you must be carrying some serious muscle dude because I am 6' tall, 15% bf and I'm 190lb. Either way 15% bf is definitely not chubby man, no way.

[@ilikecommenting6849]

@@rjim1Yes, and no. I'm pretty much always the biggest guy in the room, but I also have very high bone density. Most people would put me at 210-200. My best was 8% at 205. I felt like a walking statue. Carved from stone with utmost care and precision. Very addicting.

[@rjim1]

@@ilikecommenting6849 that's impressive and takes some real work and dedication so fair play to you mate! I've got pretty bad arthritis that isn't getting any better so my days of trying to get bigger are over but I just do what I can to keep lean and maintain functional strength as those two things allow me to keep active and not give up and waste away in a corner somewhere.

[@everettmcmunn]

i haven't watched the whole video but i want to say that I went through a time when I was in a kind of mental breakdown and didn't really eat anything for like 3 months and ended up losing maybe 100-120 lbs, and halfway through it, people were giving me compliments about my weight loss who were not aware of the mental problems I was having. Only until I started looking like a halloween skeleton did people start to realize something was wrong and started to question my behavior. Sometimes it's hard to distinguish between a healthy behavior and a dangerous psychosis.

[@jayvincent1865]

We need to encourage health and fitness. It costs nothing to go outside and move around. You don't need a gym to exercise.

[@hariman7727]

I'm unhappy with my body because I have more fat on me than I want, I'm out of shape, and I want to be healthier. I don't need to look like Adonis, I just want to be a little healthier and more fit.

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@v9b23j]

Corporations often make us feel that we are never good enough. Some companies have a slogan: "Never be satisfied".They keep moving the goalposts to make us work harder and achieve more, to make us feel that we are never good enough and that we can always do better. Unfortunately, this leads to burnout and high turnover.

[@ivanbenisscott]

Bro characterised my internal state perfectly

[@winterunterseher8937]

This is so under talked about (in men's case). I guess in my case Id be on the opposite end though in terms body and self image issues when it comes to guys, but parallel when it comes to girls (generally speaking, I know both can be on either regardless of gender, this is a human problem first and foremost not a gender one as most are). People always assume this is something only women struggle but in my case thats definitely not true. I never wanted to be big or strong and always preferred to be skinnier. Which I defnitely am, people would probably say yes to do if you asked about me, but to me it was never enough and its something I still struggle with. Most poeple would probably be sursprised and think I meant to wanted to be bigger if I mentioned I had body image issues, but for me it was never about being not big enough, but preferring to be skinnier in spite of the fact that I definitely already am pretty skinny and light for my height. Nervosa isnt something Id wish on anyone.

[@victor8794]

Bodybuilding Misc was my home 15 years ago

[@gavinpowell4607]

I dont think you needed the other hour and four minutes of this video, you got it right in the first forty seconds.

[@Tristan-bu9lh]

Get Denmo on the Podcast, broooo, he’s had a video(the bad things about the hookup culture)mentioning about you that too much statistics are being discussed and not much actual advice had been given on the pod. So please collaborate with him on a pod, it’ll be worth it!!!! Denmoooooo!!!

[@AB-yr2eo]

The Misc BB forums were legendary

[@jamesnguyen7385]

The trolling was unmatched. Imagine if it was active during this woke stuff.

[@studbunnyzeus]

Lmaoo the “how are the gays” question got me cackling.. we’re doing ok lmao

[@TheArtofBlues]

I still can't forgive Chris for wearing Crocs. 😂

[@cmdrTremyss]

I watch this video while I'm doing sit-ups.

[@Siegbert85]

I really don't know if I have muscle dismorphia... As you said: you don't necessarily feel bad about it. But a complete week off training wouldn't be great I can tell

[@missingno88]

a week off training every month or two is actually beneficial for the body. wouldnt worry about that at all

[@christiansantiagophotography]

Lol I see so many gym bros lifting to get chicks only to get complimented mostly by other men. Then some skinny kid with a vape is pulling 9s left and right.

[@naimad7452]

Funny but true

[@devongarden3485]

The Brofessor said it best many years ago: "The day you started lifting is the day you became forever small, cause you will never be as as big as you want to be"

[@low_vibration]

thus why lifting for aesthetics is dumb

[@cricket12ish]

It's the same thing with art. I think Leonardo da Vinci said "art is never finished, just abandoned"

[@davedave8608]

I just woke one day and everyone was on the sauce

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@mackprime6975]

"Goggins be grindin'" - Scott Griffiths, 2023

[@furtivemix7129]

Good interview, but I think the focus was too much on muscles and height, what about facial features? I have had issues accepting the way my ears look since I was a teenager for example.

[@lmcov4]

There is a fine balance. Many softies or lazy people use these arguments to justify not exercising and saying that it’s a vain thing to do. Just from my personal experience. Exercise is a great thing to do for longevity and mental health. The way you look is a by product. I do see his arguments and have witnessed them myself, but for someone who already has a laundry list of excuses, they might listen to this and it could amplify their cognitive dissonance.

[@jayvincent1865]

Deal with..." Throwing your back out while getting a cup of coffee" I've worked manual labor jobs for over 20 years and never been hurt at work. Turning the wrong way in normal everyday situations at the wrong time has gotten me multiple times .

[@JJs_playground]

Definitely, Instagram is bad for ones self-esteem. Its hard for young people nowadays.

[@HomeschooledBlackGuy]

My dysmorphia switch flipped about 10 years ago when I started getting unprompted attention from attractive women. I was a fat uhgo back in high school and collage. Got in shape, started getting attention. I basically have zero discipline still to this day but that attention /flirtation is motivation enough that I go on cycles of hyper chad-style diet and exercise followed by depression induced binge eating/purging. I’m pretty sure I’m bulimic but I don’t even know what bulimia means because it’s awareness has fallen off the map. I’m pretty black-pilled on this topic. In shape=female attention out of shape=friend zoned, and nothing else matters. I’m probably below average in intelligence, extroversion, and conscientiousness. So, all I have going for me is my looks.

[@baldicain]

At least you’re extremely self aware bro

[@baldicain]

Also this seems like an above average intelligence comment

[@fiat_ow7876]

Nice man. I'm still waiting for the attraction. I've got a very nice physique and insertions, still get no attention but I have faith the grind will pay off. I used to be super skinny (probably 110 pounds at 5'7) and now weigh 150 at around the same body fat.

[@Bjorn_R]

I think scott made a interesting point at the end. Biceps and fat, you can change. You cant change you penis-size and you cant really blame yourself for having a small penis. The fact that you can actually do something about something you dont like, but havent done it, probabbly adds to the dissatisfaction.

[@Exodus26.13Pi]

Supplements: Magnesium carbonate & theonate, L-theanine focus/calm, and fiber. Recovery: Inclined Sleep Therapy *free Exercise: Rebounder & Isometrics Food: Lean chicken replaces unhealthy calories *Thorough teeth/gum cleaning -Healthy Old Man *Olympic rings

[@MoparAdventure]

Yummy chemicals and irradiated chicken yum, you will probably die before me and ill stick to the arbys thank you.

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@elwynjones763]

''Dysmorphia''..... the latest psychological in word.

[@ridgerunnersp]

So many excuses made. People act like wanting to constantly improve is a problem. Sure if it is negativity impacting your psychology that isn't helpful. But these days too many people that don't want to put in the work say stuff along these lines to cope.

[@bastroman4845]

Main body dysmorphia is with teeth, but second is skinny for me, I'm just not about to drop 3200$ per tooth that breaks or root canal this or that recommended. Denture tech is cheap and fixes the problem and lifetime savings can be compared to an extra vehicle or two over your lifetime.

[@sunnyd4734]

I'm not unhappy with my body. I'm 57 and I don't look at it. 🤣😂😃

[@williamchamberlain2263]

Wise

[@saintpendulous5264]

This was a really balanced, level headed podcast and I really enjoyed it too many pods are painting women as shallow vapid a-holes who want 6 pack, 6ft tall and 6 figures, but it's great listening to somebody who has done the research tell us otherwise.

[@kingbernie4303]

THE WORLD HAD TURNED

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@stephenp7708]

Regarding waifish men - nah, women lie. I was a tall skinny guy, fairly unsuccessful with women, then I got jacked and the difference was astounding. Sure there are outliers in terms of female desire, but there is nothing more effective you can do than get jacked, other than inherit millions.

[@edfost5734]

fred dibnah is peak male form

[@Embassy_of_Jupiter]

After 15 years of gym, I'm still not happy with the results lol

[@michaelvanderlaan5629]

Same here 😂😂

[@RR-et6zp]

just do Kinobody

[@RR-et6zp]

@@michaelvanderlaan5629 just do Kinobody

[@RR-et6zp]

@@brianmeen2158 just do Kinobody

[@michaelvanderlaan5629]

@RR-et6zp no, I do my own programming.

[@chartreuse17]

I'm a 5'7" woman and guys wouldn't date me back in the day bc they were concerned about their height relative to mine. I didn't even care about height, but now I feel like I need someone taller just to avoid the awkwardness of short kings

[@krissnoe500]

Strength feels powerful thus is good. We want this even if it destroys us :(

[@kc6401]

When I used to get 5x a week to the gym I always compared myself to other guys in the gym 😔

[@tommypowell4994]

What do i do if i have all these syptoms, the mental torment and constant thought about it, but im to unmotivated to even begin to work out because showing my body at the gym is to embarresing?

[@williamchamberlain2263]

Realise it's a trick to sell you an idea, and that there are other ways that you can excel

[@tommypowell4994]

@@williamchamberlain2263 so far i'v just been working out at home, but would ve easier with propper equipment

[@berryvolcano3787]

Yeah from around 1:30 he's describing me very precisely.

[@YukalayleeGames]

Yes much needed conversation