The Relationship Between Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors of Male University Students and the Drive for Muscularity

This study was conducted in order to determine the healthy lifestyle behaviors of male students and examine their relationship with their drive for muscularity. This study was designed as a cross-sectional correlational study. Male students studying at Munzur University Faculty of Sport Sciences in the Fall semester of the 2021-2022 academic year constitute the scope of the study. The Personal Information Form, Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II (HLBS II), and Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) were used as data collection tools. HLBS II mean score of the participants is 129.93±22.89. DMS mean score of the students is 48.07±16.00. The relationship between TBM (Training Behaviors for Muscularity) sub-component and HLBS II is moderate and statistically significant. There is a statistically weak correlation between HLBS II and DMS when considered by the total scores of the scales. In the multiple linear regression model, family residence, HLBS II, and smoking explain the muscularity drive in a statistically significant way. Healthy lifestyle behaviors of university students are associated with the drive for muscularity. However, it was observed that the attitude for muscularity was not directed towards healthy lifestyle behavior. Healthy lifestyle behavior, smoking and place of residence explain the drive for muscularity at a low rate. Students may have desired to be muscular for many purposes other than healthy lifestyle. In future studies, multiple linear regression models can be created with new variables that will explain students' drive for muscularity and the public health dimension of the subject can be discussed.