Muscle dysmorphia is a condition affecting individuals obsessed with their physical appearance, which is very frequently associated with the world of sports. Suffering from this disorder involves a distortion of the body image that an individual has of themselves, leading to significant aesthetic imbalances. The most common profile is a man between 18 and 35 years old who exercises quite regularly.
What is muscle dysmorphia?
Muscle dysmorphia, also known as reverse anorexia because it causes the opposite effect to anorexia, is a condition that causes abnormal development of muscle mass. Individuals who suffer from it feel insecure about their bodies because they believe they have too many physical imperfections. Subsequently, they feel the need to reshape it in order to improve their self-esteem or feel more socially accepted.
Individuals with muscle dysmorphia, or those obsessed with their physical appearance, exercise excessively and constantly on specific parts of their body to refine their bodily defects. As a consequence, they create a notable aesthetic imbalance, generating very serious effects both for their health and for their social relationships.
Causes of muscle dysmorphia
Some of the factors that can lead to suffering from muscle dysmorphia disorder are:
- Constantly looking in the mirror and not feeling satisfied
- Frequently measuring weight and comparing oneself with others
- Having insecure behavior, personal problems, or obsessive disorders
- Individuals obsessed with their physical appearance due to having suffered harassment or bullying
Individuals with muscle dysmorphia end up developing negative thoughts about their physical appearance, eventually abandoning their routine to invest their time in exercising. Subsequently, they follow dietary regimens that considerably increase their muscle mass, such as hormones and anabolic steroids. Consequently, they run the risk of seriously endangering their health.
Preventing muscle dysmorphia
Treatment for individuals obsessed with their physical appearance who suffer from muscle dysmorphia is usually behavioral therapy, as it is a personality disorder. Nevertheless, some recommendations to prevent its onset and development during sports practice are the following:
- Always exercise under the supervision of a personal trainer
- Adapt physical practices to the individual’s capabilities
- Undergo physical examinations regularly to determine health status
- Avoid overexertion or exercises that go beyond personal limits
- Respect the number and duration of rest periods necessary to relieve fatigue and muscle pain
At CCAdicciones we can help you. Contact us and we will provide you with the support you need.
