Astoundingly, muscle dysmorphia impacts 1 in 10 gym goers. This condition also goes by the name ‘Bigorexia’ and is a form of body dysmorphia that disproportionately affects gym goers. It can be summarised as an obsession and preoccupation with getting ‘bigger’ by gaining muscle.
Muscle Dysmorphia means that those affected:
“I could critique myself all day... how can anyone love or enjoy what is here... it’s a detriment to my mental state”- a muscle dysmorphia sufferer
While this is most prevalent in men, with 0.5% of men being affected, studies also found female bodybuilders are particularly at risk of developing this condition. Strength athletes and bodybuilders are especially susceptible to muscle dysmorphia. Especially with bodybuilding, as a magnifying glass is cast on the physical appearance of those competing, meaning intense comparisons among competitors are ever-present.
Muscle dysmorphia can manifest in:
If left untreated and unaddressed, muscle dysmorphia can then escalate into steroid and supplement abuse which have a detrimental impact on the mental health of those suffering with the condition.
Steroids are used to enhance performance and the building of muscle beyond a natural level. This is done by increasing testosterone levels and stimulating the growth of muscles- and can either be injected into muscles or taken orally in tablet form.
The negative effects of steroid use include:
Ultimately, this all goes back to mental health. If we address the narrative around how and why we train, we can then build a better relationship with exercise and our body image. The pursuit of perfection has no destination, as perfection simply does not exist.
There are countless motivations for exercise that are productive, such as:
It becomes damaging when these motivations become more about addressing your shortcomings - rather than bettering yourself more generally. The way we speak to ourselves around exercise is so important - for example, observe the difference between:
“I’m so weak, I need to train extra hard to be as strong as everyone else”
“I did well today, considering where I started with strength training! I’ll aim for a new PB next time.”
Discourse around exercise and fitness should always be constructive - not destructive.
If you feel you’re starting to struggle with your relationship to exercise and your body image, don’t suffer in silence. We’ve compiled some resources that will allow you to access practical help:
As always, it’s crucial to seek help from your GP if you experience symptoms of muscle dysmorphia and call 999 if you are beginning to feel unwell after using steroids.