Exercise dependence, body dismorphia, and anxiety in crossfit practitioners: A cross-sectional study

Introduction Physical exercise provides better body image perception and well-being. However, if practiced compulsively, it may lead to compulsion and psychobiological damage. CrossFit is a method aiming at maximum performance, and it is currently attracting many regular practitioners. Objective Evaluate exercise dependence prevalence, muscle dysmorphia, and trait-state anxiety in CrossFit practitioners. Methods One hundred fifty regular male CrossFit practitioners were evaluated and subdivided into two groups: with and without risk for exercise dependence. Trait-state anxiety and muscle dysmorphia were also assessed. Unpaired t-test compared groups, Fisher's exact test was used for associations between categorical variables (p < 0.05), while correlations were verified using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results 122 participants were identified with no risk for exercise dependence and 28 with risk for exercise dependence. Participants presented mean age of 30.3 ± 7.05 years and had been practicing physical exercise for 8.02 ± 8.1 years, with training frequency of 5.3 ± 1.09 days per week and 107.9 ± 50.5 min per training day. Prevalence risk of exercise dependence was 18.6%, and muscle dysmorphia was significantly different between groups with (10.7%, n = 3) and without risk (6.6%, n = 8) for exercise dependence. Participants with risk for dependence chose CrossFit mainly due to appearance (32%). Conclusion Prevalence risk of exercise dependence was 18.6% and satisfaction with muscle appearance may influence exercise behavior.