Association between dating app use and unhealthy weight control behaviors and muscle enhancing behaviors in sexual minority men: a cross-sectional study

Background: The present study assessed the association between dating app use and unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) and muscle enhancing behaviors among a sample of adult sexual minority men (SMM) in the United States. Method: 549 SMM participated in an anonymous survey from Qualtrics Survey Panels. UWCBs and muscle enhancing behaviors were assessed through items adapted from national surveys. Body image dissatisfaction was assessed using the Male Body Attitudes Scales. Participants also reported their history of dating app use. We performed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and student’s t-tests. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the relationship between dating app use and UWCBs and muscle enhancing behaviors. Results: Dating app users had significantly higher body image dissatisfaction scores than non-users. Dating app users also demonstrated significantly elevated odds of engaging in four UWCBs and muscle enhancing behaviors: laxatives, diet pills, muscle-building supplements, and protein powders. Conclusions: This is one of the first studies to assess dating app use and its association with UWCBs and muscle enhancing behaviors among SMM. Increased surveillance and detection for such behaviors among SMM, particularly those using dating apps, are needed.