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The popularity of the Barbie movie brought back old debates about beauty standards in mainstream media. Female beauty standards are well discussed. In the book The All-Consuming Nation: Chasing the American Dream Since World War II, author Mark H. Lytle notes that if Barbie were real, she would have a BMI of 16.24, putting her within the weight criteria for anorexia. But it’s not just women who face pressure to conform to unrealistic standards. Male body images are increasingly under the microscope too.
After filming Aquaman, Jason Momoa took a break from his grueling diet and exercise regimen and gained some body fat. Fans called him out on social media, accusing him of having “let himself go” and having a “dad bod.” Momoa isn’t the only actor to face such criticism. Grant Gustin came under fire for being “too thin” when pictures of him in costume for The Flash were leaked.
Some stars have even come forward and spoken out against unrealistic body image standards. Robert Pattinson, known for his roles in Twilight and The Batman, said in an interview, “Even if you’re just watching your calorie intake, it’s extraordinarily addictive, and you don’t quite realize how insidious it is until it’s too late.”
Unrealistic beauty standards affect us all, but how much have beauty standards for men changed in recent years?
Male Body Image Ideals in the Entertainment Industry
The body types shown in mainstream media reflect the attitudes and tastes of the time that media was created in. These changing standards can be seen in remakes of classic franchises. Compare William Shatner’s Captain Kirk or Christopher Reeves’ Superman to those seen in the more recent remakes. Both Shatner and Reeves were in good shape when they were at the height of their fame, but the modern-day portrayals of their characters are even more muscular with even lower body fat levels.
This phenomenon can be charted in the evolution of action toys, too. As body standards in Hollywood evolved, toy manufacturers followed suit. Studies into the proportions of action figures have found they’ve grown more muscular. In some cases, modern action figures have measurements that exceed those of even the largest male bodybuilders. Young boys are being exposed to unattainable body standards, and actors are expected to exercise, diet and even dehydrate themselves to recreate those standards on the big screen.
Some male celebrities have found themselves falling into disordered behaviors as a result of the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards. One example is Ed Sheeran, who gave an interview in Rolling Stone revealing how he had been struggling with binge eating and purging.
Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia affect both men and women, but it’s rare for male celebrities to talk about such issues. Others who have come forward include Zayn Malik of One Direction, comedian Russell Brand and actor Dennis Quaid, who jokingly referred to his struggle as “manorexia.
The Impact of Body Standards on Men
For some actors, body image pressure is a serious issue. Christian Bale is a method actor, and gaining and losing weight is considered a part of the job. He lost around 63 pounds in 4 months for his role in The Machinist. However, rapid and extreme weight changes could have an adverse effect on a person’s health in the long term, putting strain on their organs. Dehydration, often used as a tool to make a person’s muscles look more defined, can be potentially dangerous too.
The impact on the actors isn’t the only thing to consider. By portraying these impossible beauty standards, actors are perpetuating the idea that they’re actually attainable. Few viewers know enough about health and fitness to understand that actors spend months working on their physiques before making large and unsustainable changes to their food and water intake in the run-up to shooting their scenes.
One study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found those who frequently compare themselves to people they see on social media were more likely to take steps to modify their appearance. A person’s level of education was also a factor in their level of body satisfaction to a greater extent than their BMI.
How Body Standards Impact Mental Health
Body standards are a complex and difficult topic. On the one hand, it’s perfectly normal to view being fit and strong as a positive and for people to feel good about themselves for being able to complete certain athletic feats. It’s when “appreciating fitness” becomes “enforcing unattainable standards” that body standards become a problem.
Not everyone is able to exercise or follow a textbook healthy diet. Physical, economic and even social factors can influence a person’s fitness. Today, people are exposed to a relentless bombardment of unattainable beauty standards in movies and on social media.
Men’s body satisfaction can be influenced by:
- Their relationships with their family and friends
- How those around them speak about their own bodies
- Exposure to an idealized version of male body image in mainstream media
- Exposure to filtered/modified images on social media
- Influence from coaches and other authority figures
The constant pressure to get stronger and lose body fat can lead to obsessive behaviors. Some young people experience body dysmorphia, leading to them becoming preoccupied with their appearance and convinced that they’re in some way inadequate, no matter what steps they take to fix their perceived flaws.
Unrealistic body standards can contribute to anxiety, depression, compulsive behavior and eating disorders. Exposure to unrealistic body images in movies and on social media can be particularly harmful for young people and can exacerbate existing anxiety or mental health struggles.
Long-term compulsive exercising or restrictive eating can have a lasting impact on a person’s physical and mental well-being. Men with anorexia have an increased risk of developing osteopenia or osteoporosis and may develop testosterone deficiencies, which can worsen depression. Bulimia can increase a person’s risk of tooth decay, bowel and esophagus issues and cardiovascular complications. Catching these issues early and providing support can help those struggling with poor body image get on the road to recovery and empower them to develop a better relationship with food.
If you or someone close to you is struggling with body image issues or mental health, there’s no need to suffer alone. Contact us today to talk to one of our team of compassionate counselors. We’re available 24-7 to listen and help you get started on the path to a healthier you.
