It’s about Image

Remember Andre Agassi’s commercial?

Here’s proof:

10:24AM EST November 19. 2012 – When it comes to body image, large, lean and muscular is in, and it’s “extremely common” for teenagers to turn to diet, exercise, protein powders or steroids in hopes of bulking up and enhancing muscle development, a study finds.

Although these techniques are most often seen among boys, in some cases they are nearly as widespread among girls, says the study published Monday inPediatrics.

Asked about methods they have used to increase their muscle size or tone, 2,793 middle school and high school students (average age 14) in Minneapolis/St. Paul said they:

• Changed eating: 68% boys; 62% of girls

• Exercised more: 91% boys; 81% of girls

• Used protein powders or shakes: 35% boys; 21% girls

• Used steroids: 6% boys; 5% girls

• Used other muscle-enhancing substances such as creatine, amino acids, hydroxyl methylbutyrate (HMB), DHEA, or growth hormones: 11% boys; 6% girls