The male body ideal: perspectives of readers and non-readers of fitness magazines

Interview findings suggest that college men may be internalizing the lean and muscular male body ideal featured in men's fitness magazines and other media. Regarding the relation between the reading of fitness magazines and body image concerns, findings suggest that pre-existing concerns may lead some men to select these types of titles. More research is needed to determine whether, and if so among which readers, exposure to fitness magazines may serve to reinforce existing concerns related to achieving a lean and muscular physique.