- Doctors are recommending that teenage boys who use muscle-building supplements should be evaluated by a psychologist to check for signs of body dysmorphia or eating disorders.
- Mental health experts warn that the use of protein and creatine powders to enhance muscle growth could be an early sign of body dysmorphia, leading to serious mental health conditions like anorexia and suicidal thoughts.
- The over-consumption of protein from supplements can harm organs such as the kidneys and intestines, leading to potential long-term health complications.
- Guidelines advise doctors to question teenage patients about their supplement use and motivations, as well as refer them for a full psychological assessment to better understand and address their behaviors.
- The goal is to educate patients about the risks of excessive supplement consumption, provide strategies to minimize negative effects, and consider the individual’s ability to abstain from these powders.
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Psychiatry&MentalHealth, Pediatrics