CINCINNATI (WKRC) – A new study has found a potential link between the use of six popular muscle-building supplements and symptoms of body dysmorphia in teens.

The author of the study found that substances such as whey protein powder, creatine products, and other supplements are often taken by teens who are trying to gain muscle. The study also found a pattern of excessive gym time and obsessing over food intake.

But even with these connections, the study is observational, which means that it is hard to fully determine whether the use of these supplements is what increased the symptoms of body dysmorphia or if the people who have body dysmorphia are just more likely to take these bodybuilding supplements.

Additionally, it found that people may be using these popular supplements in place of anabolic steroids, which have been found to be harmful to the body.

The study was recently published in the journal PLOS Mental Health.