Muscle Dysmorphia
Sometimes referred to as ‘Bigorexia’, muscle dysmorphia is characterised by a preoccupation with looking more muscular. People living with this condition may spend large amounts of time working out and may focus on specific body parts they want to increase in size.
Symptoms
- Preoccupation with body image in particular the wish to look muscular
- Intense fear of losing weight and ‘withering away’
- Excessive exercise with the aim of ‘bulking up’
- Planning and often neglecting other life activities around exercise
- Adhering to unconventional diets to help achieve the ‘ideal’ body shape
- Use of steroids or dietary supplements aimed at increasing muscle mass
- Avoidance of situations where the individual’s body could be exposed due to feelings of inadequacy