Bigorexia, a slang term for muscle dysmorphia, is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive focus on muscle size. Common among male bodybuilders, individuals with muscle dysmorphia often perceive themselves as small or underdeveloped, even when they are visibly muscular.
It’s thought that the rise of health and fitness culture, amplified by social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, has fueled a growing obsession with building muscle — particularly among young adults. This increasing fixation has contributed to a rise in muscle dysmorphia cases. If left untreated, bigorexia can pose serious risks to both mental and physical health.
This article aims to raise awareness about bigorexia, exploring its risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options to help those affected recognize and address the condition.
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. Talking to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine is always a good idea.
Overview — Bigorexia
Bigorexia is particularly prevalent among male bodybuilders who perceive their bodies as too small or inadequate. (1) This condition is often accompanied by intense negative emotions, such as sadness, depression, feelings of inadequacy, and significant behavioral and psychological changes.
Individuals who suffer from bigorexia often engage in compulsive behaviors, including excessive time at the gym, misuse of steroids or other substances, overspending on unnecessary sports supplements, and adopting abnormal eating habits. The latter has sparked debate about whether bigorexia should be classified as an eating disorder. (2)
Currently, the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) categorizes bigorexia under body dysmorphic disorders (BDD). A BDD is characterized by a preoccupation with perceived physical flaws, significant emotional distress or impairment as a result, and repetitive behaviors or mental acts related to these concerns. While awareness of bigorexia is increasing, much work remains to be done to address this condition.
Risk Factors of Bigorexia
A complex interplay of physiological, sociocultural, and biological factors influences bigorexia. Gaining a deeper understanding of these elements is crucial for prevention and treatment.
2019 research published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders highlights that when alcohol abuse for males and depression for females during adolescence is present, it increases the risk of muscularity-oriented disordered eating. (3) However, identifying who might develop bigorexia is not always straightforward. Below are additional risk factors associated with this condition:
- Cultural and media influences
- Hormonal imbalance
- Brain chemistry
- Previous bullying and teasing experiences linked to size
- Low self-esteem (4)
- Participating in bodybuilding, wrestling, and other physical sports
- Genetics
- Family history
- Trauma
- Perfectionism
- Growing up in an environment that emphasizes strength and bodybuilding, such as the use of protein powders (5)
Symptoms of Bigorexia
Bigorexia symptoms vary from person to person. Here are common signs to be aware of:
- Obsessively long gym hours
- Constant mirror checks for perceived progressive physical changes
- Constantly avoiding mirrors due to negative personal opinions of one’s body
- Working out despite being injured or in pain
- Prioritizing working out over everything else
- Using performance-enhancing drugs, supplements, and steroids
- Constantly believing one’s muscles should be bigger
- An unhealthy fixation on diet to reduce body fat and promote muscle growth (6)
- Obsession with appearance
- Other mental health disorders like anxiety and depression from dissatisfaction with appearance
- General negative self-perception and self-consciousness
In a gym-centric culture, warning signs of overtraining or unhealthy fitness habits are often overlooked or normalized. Deeper issues may arise when someone relentlessly pursues unattainable muscle growth goals.
These behaviors can have far-reaching consequences. Spending excessive time at the gym can disrupt work-life balance, strain personal relationships, and hinder other responsibilities. Overtraining without sufficient recovery increases the risk of injuries and muscle damage, further compounding the problem. Socially, individuals might struggle with low self-esteem and body image insecurities, leading to social anxiety or isolation.
Bigorexia often drives extreme dietary changes, resulting in rigid and overly restrictive eating habits. This obsessive focus on meal composition and macronutrient ratios, all in pursuit of a more muscular physique, can ultimately harm physical and mental well-being.
Recognizing these patterns can help address underlying issues and foster a healthier approach to fitness and self-image.
Treatments for Bigorexia
Treating bigorexia begins with self-awareness and the courage to acknowledge the issue. Achieving lasting results requires a holistic approach addressing mental and physical well-being. Building a support network, practicing self-compassion, and prioritizing self-care are essential. Here are some practical physical steps to consider:
- Reducing gym time
- Eliminating fitness trackers and calorie-monitoring apps
- Consciously and intentionally identifying certain conditions that may trigger bigorexia
- Avoiding certain supplements, steroids, and other performance-enhancing drugs
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Identifying thought patterns and changing one’s brain’s way of responding to certain things
- Perception training: changing the way one sees one’s body
- Inhibitors and anti-depressant medications like citalopram or fluoxetine and different forms of therapy (7)(8)
Conclusion
Bigorexia is a serious psychological condition that affects those striving to build strength and muscle mass. Studies demonstrate young males and minorities could be more at risk, especially if substance abuse and mental health issues are at play.
Managing bigorexia can be challenging, but with time, patience, and the approaches outlined above, recovery is possible.
If you know someone struggling with bigorexia, consider educating them about the condition and, if appropriate, encourage them to seek help from a qualified healthcare professional.
References
- Mosley P. E. (2009). Bigorexia: bodybuilding and muscle dysmorphia. European eating disorders review : the journal of the Eating Disorders Association, 17(3), 191–198. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.897
- Vasiliu O. (2023). At the Crossroads between Eating Disorders and Body Dysmorphic Disorders-The Case of Bigorexia Nervosa. Brain sciences, 13(9), 1234. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13091234
- Nagata, J. M., Murray, S. B., Bibbins-Domingo, K., Garber, A. K., Mitchison, D., & Griffiths, S. (2019). Predictors of muscularity-oriented disordered eating behaviors in U.S. young adults: A prospective cohort study. The International journal of eating disorders, 52(12), 1380–1388. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23094
- Martenstyn, J. A., Maguire, S., & Griffiths, S. (2022). A qualitative investigation of the phenomenology of muscle dysmorphia: Part 1. Body image, 43, 486–503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.10.009
- Duran, S., & Öz, Y. C. (2022). Examination of the association of muscle dysmorphia (bigorexia) and social physique anxiety in the male bodybuilders. Perspectives in psychiatric care, 58(4), 1720–1727. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppc.12980
- Arslan, M., Yabancı Ayhan, N., Sarıyer, E. T., Çolak, H., & Çevik, E. (2022). The Effect of Bigorexia Nervosa on Eating Attitudes and Physical Activity: A Study on University Students. International journal of clinical practice, 2022, 6325860. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6325860
- Bjornsson, A. S., Didie, E. R., & Phillips, K. A. (2010). Body dysmorphic disorder. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 12(2), 221–232. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2010.12.2/abjornsson
- Cunningham, M. L., Griffiths, S., Mitchison, D., Mond, J. M., Castle, D., & Murray, S. B. (2017). Muscle Dysmorphia: An Overview of Clinical Features and Treatment Options. Journal of cognitive psychotherapy, 31(4), 255–271. https://doi.org/10.1891/0889-8391.31.4.255
Featured image via Shutterstock/Oleksandr Byrka
