On TikTok and Instagram, algorithms often promote an idealistic body image for teenage boys: low body fat percentage, high muscle mass and exceptional strength. According to the National Library of Medicine, up to 80% of teenage boys experience body dissatisfaction.
Upper School (US) students may find themselves pressured to pursue unrealistic body standards. As a result of these expectations, products like creatine and protein powder, which are said to help boost performance, have become more popular in recent years.
In a Vanguard poll of 140 US students, 37% said they use health supplements like creatine and protein powder occasionally or regularly.
“A lot of societal pressures come from social media,” Matthew Wang ’28 said. “Especially how people are posting what they do and how they look. A lot of things on social media can influence how people feel.”
Social media feeds promote idealized physiques, Robert Lally ’28 said.
“There’s these things called the black pill edits where they’ll show handsome and strong people,” he said. “I know it might not seem serious, but social media is definitely a big aspect of why a lot of people might want to get stronger.”
Peilin Li ’28 uses protein powder for cross country and crew.
“In cross country, it’s more about your aerobic capacity, but in crew, where you need muscle mass, it’s definitely helpful for building that,” he said. “Afterward, I drink a protein shake to help with recovery.”
Ethan Yu ’28 said there is a difference between performance aids and harmful substances.
“There’s a line between what can be considered a shortcut and what can be legit,” he said. “Steroids definitely cross the line. They cause extreme muscle development, which is completely unnatural.”
Colton Fischer ’28 uses supplements for football.
“There’s a lot of crazy things you hear with sports supplements, but there’s also other stuff that’s just way better for you, and it’s not that insane. I take a lot of vitamins: It’s not just straight creatine and protein, but it’s vitamin C, vitamin D and magnesium.”
People have misconceptions about the safety of creatine, Colton said.
“There’s a lot of stigma on how it is unsafe. But creatine is one of the most studied supplements in the world. I wouldn’t take any chances otherwise: It’s actually pretty safe despite what some people think.”
US Health Teacher Claire Herrmann said it can be difficult to differentiate beneficial from harmful supplements.
“If I see an influencer doing something, I might think, ‘They’re doing it, so I can do it too,’ whereas we’re very different people with different medical needs and backgrounds. And everyone’s bodies process things differently.”
US Nurse Jacquelyn Nolan said to check with a trusted adult when uncertain about supplements.
“Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re ever not feeling well or you have a question. Seek out an adult or your doctor.”
