Aspiration for contemporary standards of physical attractiveness by adolescent boys - psychosocial and health contexts

Attractive appearance and athletic figure is an important element of presenting oneself in social interactions. Nowadays, for men and adolescent boys, the model of physical attractiveness is a muscular body with a wide chest and broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Modelling one’s body in accordance with applicable standards has become possible due to the services related to body care, diets and fitness. The authors’ own research presents the importance of the influence of peers on taking physical exercises and a proper diet in order to get an athletic body by adolescent boys. The article also presents the health problems of young people and young men associated with dissatisfaction with the appearance and striving to have a muscular body.