The ideal male form — recognized since the statue of David.
And modernly interpreted as something more magical than anything Michelangelo could have cut from marble. (Video via Warner Bros. Pictures)
So aside from excessive swooning and sporadic night sweats, does this sort of overexposure to chiseled abs and bulging biceps result in body image issues in men? Researchers say yes.
A psychologist specializing in eating disorders tells The Atlantic we generalize eating disorders as a women's issue. But in the U.S. today, more men have eating disorders than ever before. The numbers suggest that nearly 1 in 4 males are affected by them.
Unlike women, men aren't as likely to be interested in getting thinner but bulkier, which can result in excessive exercising and abusing steroids — making them more likely to binge drink, use drugs and suffer from depression.
But it seems men have realized a physique is nothing if it's not finessed. The guys are spending more than ever before on beauty products. Can you tell I'm wearing makeup?
The men's personal care market hit $4.1 billion in 2014, up 6.7 percent from 2012 and 19 percent from 2009. Those numbers make it one of the most booming segments of the beauty industry. (Video via Unilever)
A 2010 study suggests men are becoming more dissatisfied with their body image and women less so — resulting in a sort of turning of the tables — putting pressure on the boys to get beautiful.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
