Muscle, Media & Mind: How Body Image Pressures Affect Australian Men’s Mental Health

1. The Hidden Crisis: Body Dissatisfaction Among Men.

Guys don’t talk about body dissatisfaction—but that doesn’t mean they don’t struggle with it. In fact, it's becoming a significant mental health issue among men in Australia.

The Australian Psychological Society reports that male body dissatisfaction has tripled in the past 25 years, rising from around 15% to 45% . Among young males aged 11–24, about 28% say they’re unhappy with their appearance . Meanwhile, Beyond Blue figures show that just over a quarter of young Australian males are dissatisfied with how they look .

Despite common misconceptions, men with body image concerns often suffer just as deeply as women do. When such concerns drive disordered patterns—like compulsive exercising, restrictive eating, or steroid misuse—they carry major mental and physical health consequences .

Worse yet, a University of Queensland study found that many Australian men view body dissatisfaction as a “women's issue.” This stigma stops open discussion, making it harder for men to seek support . As the University of Sydney’s research underscores, this belief leads to underdiagnosis even though the mental health impact can be profound .

2. Muscle Dysmorphia: When More Becomes Not Enough.

For some men, dissatisfaction becomes an obsession—and a psychiatric condition called muscle dysmorphia. This disorder is marked by a relentless fear of being insufficiently muscular, even when the individual is already well-built . Also known as “bigorexia,” it’s essentially the reverse of anorexia—a compulsive pursuit of size over thinness .

Though hard to quantify in Australia, anecdotal and international data hint at alarming rates. Up to 54% of competitive bodybuilders, and 13% of men in the military, may meet clinical thresholds for muscle dysmorphia . In the UK, estimates suggest 1 in 10 gym-going young men may be affected .

The condition rarely exists in isolation—it often comes bundled with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, and substance use disorders.

3. The Media Mirror: Amplifying Unrealistic Ideals.

The push for muscularity didn’t arise in a vacuum—it’s fuelled by culture, media, and social platforms.

A recent Movember report revealed 68% of young Australian men now follow “masculinity influencers” online—content that often pairs self-improvement messages with rigid ideals of masculinity . Paradoxically, while these influencers claim to motivate, they’re also associated with increased mental health concerns such as feelings of worthlessness and risky behaviours .

Social media has amplified appearance pressure—two-thirds of Australians aged 12–18 say they want to be more muscular, and 1.8% met criteria for muscle dysmorphia as of 2017 . The pressure is real, dangerous—often pushing guys toward steroids and other image-enhancing drugs .

Even worse, many influencers don’t disclose that their physiques are chemically assisted; platforms struggle to keep up with this deception.

4. Mental Toll & Harmful Behaviors.

Body dissatisfaction and muscle dysmorphia don’t stay in the mirror—they seep into self-worth, identity, and everyday life.

Men may respond with excessive exercise, steroid and supplement use, rigid dieting, or performance-focused training—all of which can damage physical and mental health . According to Eating Disorders Victoria, men who struggle with appearance dissatisfaction often live with shame, guilt, and damaged life quality similar to women’s experiences .

The stigma around these conditions is palpable. A new Australian study found eating disorders face more stigma than depression, especially when men are affected—adding shame to the burden .

These pressures take a steep emotional toll. Men trapped in the "muscle chase" often feel isolated, hopeless, or driven by a standard they can never meet—jeopardising self-esteem, mood, and mental resilience.

5. From Pain to Power: Healing and Support.

So, what heals a body image crisis? The answer is multi-layered—awareness, empathy, and alternative values.

Open the Conversation

Men need spaces (physical or digital) where body dissatisfaction is not mocked but understood. Share real stories—like Morgan’s, a dad who felt self-conscious at the pool until he realised that others weren’t judging him either .

Media Literacy

Discussion and critical thinking around influencer culture are vital. Teaching young men to spot unrealistic images, hidden substances, or performance-enhancement promotions can build resilience .

Professional Support

Health professionals should routinely ask men about their body image—not only when disordered eating is obvious . Specialized counselling tailored to men and muscle dysmorphia can help reframe identity and self-worth.

Behavioural Alternatives

Programs that focus on what the body can do, not just how it looks, set a healthier standard. Whether it’s sports participation, yoga, mindful movement, or peer fitness—not performance—these reinforce body gratitude and mental strength.

Policy & Advocacy

Regulating influencer promotions and requiring clear labeling of altered or drug-assisted physiques can shift culture. The Butterfly Foundation suggests stronger legislation around misleading influencer content should be part of the solution.

Final Thought

Body image isn’t a women’s problem—it’s a human problem. And for many Australian men, the pressure to be bigger, leaner, or more muscular is silently eroding mental health.

But there’s hope. Through honest conversation, compassionate care, and cultural change, we can redefine strength—not in appearances, but in openness, resilience, and self-acceptance.