Buying into bulk

by Kyle Jones

A nationwide survey of 10,000 teens in the journal Pediatrics shows that there is a high concern of body image in boys and girls.

The Harvard Medical study found many revealing and startling facts relating to teens and appearance.

According to the study, teens who worry about there image are more likely to use hormones and dietary supplements to enhance there appearance.

The average, or moreover, common scenario is that girls are more likely to try to lose weight, while boys are more likely to try gain weight.

The study found that 30 percent of boys and 33 percent of girls want more defined muscles.

Eight percent of boys and 12 percent of girls us hormones to improve the look and strength of there muscles.

Proteins powders and shakes are the most commonly used products reported by teens; however, nearly five percent of boys and two percent of girls use products that may be harmful, including protein powders, growth hormones, and injectable steroids.

Other hormones and supplements teens claim to use are creatine, Amino acids, HMB, DHEA, growth hormones and anabolic steroids, mostly used by boys.

The study, that included 6,212 girls and 4,237 boys ages 12-18, found that boys who read “Men's Health” and girls who are trying to look like women in the media are more likely to use the aforementioned products.

However, hours spent watching TV, watching sports on TV, and participation in team sports are also associated with the use of hormones and supplements the study says.