What is Bigorexia?
For years most persons were familiar with the term anorexia and the idea that pressure to conform to cultural standards of thinness and beauty drove persons to starve their own bodies. In 1997, the term Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder (MDD), also referred to as ‘bigorexia’ was coined to represent a growing “reverse anorexic” condition. Persons suffering from MDD/bigorexia find themselves caught in a cyclical pattern of working to increase their muscle development but never quite making it to their goal. Persons in this category perceive their bodies as being too small despite regular weight lifting routines and regimens intended to increase their muscle development. This perceived lack of muscle size makes them believe they are “ugly.” Persons in this category are typically not as concerned about “fat” or losing weight as in other forms of disordered eating. They are primarily disturbed by their lack of muscle definition and size. Because of this, bigorexia is not an eating disorder. It is
Bigorexia is a body dysmorphic disorder in which someone believes that no matter how much he or she works out, he or she will never be muscular enough. The technical term for bigorexia is “muscular dysmorphia,” reflecting the fact that the focus of people who suffer from this condition is the muscles, but people also call it “reverse anorexia” or “bigorexia” because the condition involves growing as large as possible, rather than trying to get as small as possible, as is the case with anorexia. Most bigorexia patients are men, reflecting a male beauty standard which places a heavy emphasis on being well-muscled, although women can suffer from this condition as well. Like other body dysmorphic disorders, bigorexia stems from a fundamental disconnect between the patient’s perception of the body, and the actual body. Hulking men with perfectly chiseled muscles may look in the mirror and see a weakling, and then upbraid themselves for not working harder. One of the key symptoms of bigorexi
Bigorexia is a disorder in which a person constantly worries about appearing too small and weak looking. Those with bigorexia suffer from the opposite problem of someone in need of anorexia treatment. Other common names for bigorexia include muscle dysmorphia and reverse anorexia. Those with this disorder are not frail or underdeveloped at all, typically having large muscle mass. Many of these people can be seen competing in body building competitions. This disorder is a form of body dysmorphic disorder and is related to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Those with muscle dysmorphia constantly obsess over their imperfections, further distorting their perception of themselves. Inadequacy felt by those with reverse anorexia affects many areas of life, ranging from personal relationships to physical and emotional health. Such dissatisfaction with body image is common in those with eating disorders, which is why so many people seek eating disorder treatment.
