When discussing eating disorders or body image issues, men were previously vastly underrepresented in studies, making intervention a challenge. We’ve seen an increase in awareness of eating disorders impacting men, with 25 % of those with eating disorders identifying as male, but one common mental health crisis affecting many men still requires more awareness.
When we think about disordered eating or body-image issues, many people will manifest an image of thinness. But the opposite is true in cases of muscle dysphoria. Rooted in common perceptions of male attractiveness, muscle dysphoria may be harder to recognise due to its alignment with habits that appear healthy such as frequent exercise.
In this article we’ll explore what muscle dysphoria is, how fitness culture can feed into it, the warning signs to look out for, and how to support those affected. Whether you’re struggling yourself or worried about someone you know, raising awareness is the first step toward breaking the silence and promoting healthier relationships with fitness.
What is muscle dysphoria?
Muscle dysphoria is a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) first classified in 1997. Mainly impacting men, muscle dysphoria is different to regular weightlifting activity as it is classified by strong negative feelings and internal thought patterns. This can include feelings of dependence on bodybuilding, constant thoughts about perceived muscularity, dissatisfaction with appearance, and frequent appearance checking.
Sometimes referred to as ‘Bigorexia’ or ‘reverse anorexia’, it is not just associated with excessive exercise but can also involve behaviours around food common to eating disorders. Comorbidity between BDD and eating disorders is common, so this link is important to note when considering how we recognise muscle dysphoria.