FEATURE: Study shows that men's overuse of protein powder is an 'eating disorder'

Men who use protein powders to bulk up their muscles act under similar pressures to those with eating disorders, a recent study has found.

The study, carried out by Dr Richard Achiro, Ph.D, for the American Psychological Association, surveyed 195 men who drink protein powders regularly.

It found that 40% of the men increased their intake of protein over time, while 22% often replaced their meals with the supplement.

More worryingly, 29% said that they were worried by their protein intake, whilst 8% had been told to cut back by a medical professional.

Speaking to Fox News, Dr Achrio said: "Body-conscious men who are driven by psychological factors to attain a level of physical or masculine 'perfection' are prone to use these supplements in a manner that is excessive.

Even if they look good on the outside, do they have excessive diarrhea?

Are their livers and kidneys starting to give out from having to detox toxins?"

The growth of protein powders has been on the rise in the last five years, with sales amounting to $5 billion worldwide in 2013 alone.

Inside the popular student gym, The Gym, on Brighton's London Road, UNICISE spoke to gym goers about their thoughts on the supplement.

Dave Austin, 22, student at the University of Sussex, said: "I only drink protein shakes when I'm having a busy day and don't have the time to make a nutritious meal directly after my workout.

"If I used them as a meal replacement then I would be constantly starving. Powder is not a food."

Meanwhile, Billy Anderson, 19, student at Brighton University, told UNICISE that he thinks protein powders are a waste of money: "I get enough protein through my meals. I eat a lot of chicken and eggs, which are a lot cheaper than buying a powder that has less nutrients overall."

Brighton based nutritionist, Andy Gauntlett, agrees and said that protein powders should only be used when an individual isn't getting enough protein through their daily meals.

He said: "Everyone needs to remember that protein powders do not contain some magic formula that will make your muscles explode.

"Under no circumstances should anyone use them as meal replacements. People are forgetting that your body needs other nutrients, not just protein, to grow.

"Consuming just protein powders would actually hinder muscle development rather than accelerate it."

UNICISE SAYS:

Still unsure whether you should be drinking protein? Well click here to see what personal trainer Steve Whittemore has to say about it in our first monthly F.A.Q video! He talks about the benefits of drinking protein powder safely!

#NutritionArticles