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Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition in which a person becomes fixated on a perceived flaw in their body.
People with muscle dysmorphia perceive themselves as less muscular and smaller than they really are. Many people with this condition have a build that’s average or more muscular than average.
Muscle dysmorphia most commonly affects men, especially men who lift weights or compete in bodybuilding. However, research suggests that muscle dysmorphia is also prevalent among female bodybuilders.
There have been relatively few studies on the best way to treat muscle dysmorphia, and research is ongoing. Keep reading to find out what science has discovered to date. What is muscle dysmorphia?
Muscle dysmorphia is a mental health condition in which people see their bodies as small and lacking in muscle. People with muscle dysmorphia are often considered very muscular by other people, since they routinely engage in muscle-building activities.
It’s sometimes referred to as “bigorexia” or “reverse anorexia.”
People with muscle dysmorphia often become so preoccupied with their appearance that their lives are centred on building more muscle.
What are the behaviours or symptoms of muscle dysmorphia?
Behaviours a person with muscle dysmorphia may exhibit include:
·Excessively lifting weights
·Using anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs
·Avoiding social situations that may draw attention to their body, such as swimming or going to the beach
·Avoiding mirrors or excessively checking mirrors
·Eating meals in an extremely regimented way
·Skipping social activities to spend more time exercising
People with muscle dysmorphia often also develop an eating disorder, particularly orthorexia. Orthorexia is characterized by an obsession with eating healthy foods. People with orthorexia and those with muscle dysmorphia both commonly eat very regimented diets and become fixated on choosing the perfect foods to the point that it disrupts other aspects of their lives.
It’s thought that perfectionism, low self-esteem, and social anxiety may contribute to the development of muscle dysmorphia.
How is muscle dysmorphia assessed?
This survey includes 13 questions that can be scored from “never” to “always.”
Some items that appear on this survey are:
·I wish my arms were stronger.
·I cancel social activities with friends because of my workout/exercise schedule.
·I feel depressed when I miss one or more days of exercise.
·I feel embarrassed when people see me without a shirt.
·I hate my body.
Who’s at risk of developing muscle dysmorphia?
Research suggests that muscle dysmorphia is much more common among men than among women.
It’s thought that bodybuilders and other people who lift weights are at a higher risk than the general population.
What’s the outlook for muscle dysmorphia?
Many people with muscle dysmorphia resist treatment. However, recognizing that you have a problem and seeking treatment from a professional can give you the best chance of overcoming muscle dysmorphia.
If you think you may be dealing with muscle dysmorphia or any form of BDD, it’s important to visit a trained healthcare professional who can help you build a proper treatment plan. Takeaway
Muscle dysmorphia is a mental health condition in which people perceive themselves as less muscular than they really are. Men are more likely than women to develop muscle dysmorphia, and bodybuilders and other people who lift weights are at higher risk than the general population.