Episode 127: Is Supplement Regulation Changing? – Bryn Austin

The ALL ME® Podcast

Is Supplement Regulation Changing? – Bryn Austin

Summary

In this episode of the ALL ME Podcast, host Brian Parker speaks with Bryn Austin, a public health scientist specializing in adolescent health. They discuss Bryn's journey from journalism to public health, the founding of STRIPED, a program aimed at preventing eating disorders, and the importance of training health professionals in public health methods. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on body image, the pressures faced by young people, and recent research linking muscle building supplements to steroid use. Bryn emphasizes the need for a shift in focus from individual resilience to creating healthier environments for youth. In this conversation, Bryn Austin and Brian Parker discuss the documentary 'Generation Flex,' which highlights the dangers of muscle-building supplements and the pressures faced by young people. They delve into recent legislative changes in New York that ban the sale of these supplements to minors, the challenges of enforcement, and the pushback from the supplement industry. The discussion emphasizes the importance of youth advocacy and education in combating misinformation and promoting healthier choices among young people.

Takeaways

• Bryn Austin transitioned from journalism to public health to make a positive impact.
• Stripe aims to prevent eating disorders through public health training.
• Social media amplifies body image pressures on young people.
• The profit motive drives the promotion of harmful body image standards.
• Algorithms on social media target young users to maximize engagement.
• Public health can provide solutions to prevent eating disorders.
• Training health professionals is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
• Boys are increasingly facing body image pressures due to social media.
• Regulation is needed to combat deceptive marketing practices online.
• Research shows a strong link between muscle building supplements and steroid use. 'Generation Flex' effectively highlights the risks of supplements.
• Legislation in New York bans sales of certain supplements to minors.
• The supplement industry often misleads consumers about product safety.
• Youth advocacy is crucial for driving legislative change.
• Education is key to helping young people make informed choices.
• The law aims to protect minors from harmful products.
• Industry pushback includes lobbying and misinformation tactics.
• Awareness can lead to significant changes in public health policy.
• Young people are powerful advocates for their own health.
• Support from adults can empower youth to make a difference.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

07:34 Training the Next Generation of Health Professionals

17:34 The Impact of Social Media on Body Image

25:31 Exploring 'Generation Flex' and Its Impact

37:35 Enforcement and Implementation of New Laws

44:17 Empowering Youth: The Path to Change

49:23 Messages of Hope and Support for Young People

Resources

• ·         Men’s Health – Generation Flex - https://www.menshealth.com/health/a62777089/generationflex/
• ·         Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders - STRIPED - https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/eating-disorders-striped/about/

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