How protein cult has turned the muscle into the new social networks trend

In the Basilica of San Pietro In Vincoli, in Rome, there is a sculpture that attracts the attention of many people for a simple detail. The work, Miguel Ángel’s “Moses”, the sculptor carved a small muscle on the forearm that is only activated by lifting the little finger. This almost invisible gesture, but essential for Michelangelo shows the subtle force and control. Today, centuries later, the bodies defined as if they were sculpted are trend. But this time, it is not about marble or art, but of protein, supplements and extreme routines.

In the Chic Protein era. A new phenomenon that has gained strength in recent years, but now is the trend that marks on social networks. In 2023, products enriched with proteins had taken the supermarkets. From yogurts to snacks, the industry promoted the idea that greater protein consumption is synonymous with health and well -being. Now, that obsession has moved to the toned bodies: figures like Ashton Hall, Famous for its morning routineit is a clear example of that ideal of healthy life and sculpted body.

A new welfare mantra? In the third season of The White Lotus, Saxon Ratliff, a character obsessed with exercise and body image, embodies perfectly This contemporary obsession with proteins. Interpreted by Patrick Schwarzenegger, the son of the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger, Saxon not only loads with his personal blender so as not to miss his protein shakes, but also consumes popcorn enriched with “Khloud” dust of Khloe Kardashian, an obvious satire of the marketing of hyperproteic products. Saxon is not just a character obsessed with his muscles; It is a fitness symbol turned into pop culture, where protein blender is as essential as mobiles and smoothies are the new fashion coffees.

Beyond the screens. This fictional portrait is a reflection of what happens with the boom of hyperproteic products, is it really necessary to consume 200 grams of protein in a shake, as Saxon does in the fourth chapter? Science has offered different perspectives. On the one hand, the main dietitian of MAY CLINICTara Schmidt, has affirmed that protein needs depend largely on the lifestyle, weight and health history, so he cannot affirm with certainty what is the ideal amount. Although it is recommended has pointed out To vogue that excess protein can cause inflammation and affect intestinal health, counteracting the initial benefits of these hyperproteic products.

The path to (almost) perfection. Even the fashion world has embraced this new body form. Designers such as Demon and Hilary Taymour have presented collections that emphasize muscular silhouettes, evidencing how fashion adopts and amplifies the body ideals promoted by the culture of well -being, According to Vogue. However, not only fashion has imposed the standard, the viralization of medicines to lose weight as Ozempic and Wegovydeveloped to treat type 2 diabetes, they have become rapid weight loss products.

And in the meantimephenomena like Skinnytok They promote restrictive diets and extreme exercise routines, with millions of visualizations that glorify thin and toned bodies. Social networks have amplified the obsession with the sculpted bodies, turning each physical transformation into a viral show.

The distorted mirror. In this era where the body is the new canvas, body dysmorphia He has found A perfect breeding ground to spread. This disorder, characterized by an obsessive concern for defects perceived in the body, has reached alarming levels on social networks such as Tiktok and Instagram. In these platforms, filters, edited images and constant comparisons They have exacerbated The distorted perception of the body, especially among the youngest. A Health report has pointed out That the constant exposure to hyperdefinid bodies and perfect skins can lead to eating disorders and compulsive behaviors related to exercise.

The psychologist specialized in TCA, Sara Bolo has explained to this medium that the worrying thing is that many of these apparently “healthy” behaviors hide eating disorders disguised as fitness culture. We see more and more full gyms and more people obsessed with not skipping a meal or training, and that is where the problem begins. It is not the exercise or healthy eating that is wrong, but the rigidity with which these practices are followed. In addition, he has warned: “In the end, it is not so much to take care of the body as forcing it to fit into an unreal mold that we see on social networks.”

The end point. In a world where the image weighs more than the essence, where bodies are molded as sculptures and extreme diets disguise themselves as self -care, the inevitable question arises: to what extent are we really taking care of our bodies or simply molding them to fit into an unattainable mold?

Image | Pexels and Livioandronico2013

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