‘Bigorexia’ Is the Body Dysmorphia Affecting Young Men

The Trend: There’s a new kid on the block, and it’s not one anyone wants around: “bigorexia.” It refers to muscle dysmorphia, a type of body dysmorphic disorder that involves obsession with muscle mass, usually centered around not feeling big or buff enough. It disproportionately affects young men and symptoms include obsessively working out and tailoring diets to muscle growth. First used in 1985 (and often referenced as “reverse anorexia”), researchers described bigorexia as a condition in which bodybuilders were so fixated on the muscularity of their physique that they “declined social invitations, refused to be seen at the beach, or wore heavy clothes.” 

What People Are Saying: Bigorexia appears to be surging, especially in teen boys and young men, and clinical professionals warn that its effects can be damaging. In particular, individuals with this condition are at a greater risk of developing an eating disorder or abusing anabolic steroids.

What to Know: There’s a public perception that men don’t have body image issues or suffer from conditions like body dysmorphia or eating disorders. That perception is unfair and often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. If you think you may have a form of body dysmorphia, professional treatment is key to recovery.