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.