What’s up with the abs obsession?

[abett07]

Can someone please tell me why so many young males are obsessed with getting a six pack to the point of starving themselves and having next to no muscle mass ?

I would like to have a six pack but it’s not my number 1 priority, would much rather broad shoulders, a thick back, big strong arms and nice butt any day over a six pack.

I can understand guys wanting one but the obsession of having a six pack at all coast I just don’t understand .

[LtL]

Abs on a skinny guy are like boobs on a fat girl: they don't count.

I blame the media and magazines. I also think that when the general publich started to realise that the people like Arnie that they were idolising, were using assistance, they realised that their physiques were unattainable. Combine that with steroids being villified in the media and people need a new goal physique: along came the Abercrombie model with abs. Job done.

Al

[BendtheBar]

I'm with LTL. I think they are simply being surrounded by it on TV shows, MMA, advertisements, etc.

Somewhere along the line certain marketers have realized that it can be just as profitable to make young men feel insecure about their weight. Also, if they know they can't build muscle, why not sell products to them to help them lose fat. That way you have your bases covered and can pimp products to nearly everyone.

I think part of it is a cultural trend, and the rest is marketers noticing this trend and pushing it harder, like a flywheel. That's my best guess.