Vigorexia, also known as muscle dysmorphia or Adonis complex, is a psychological disorder related to the obsession with achieving a "perfect" muscular and athletic appearance. It mainly affects people who exercise excessively and who have a distorted perception of their body image. This obsession with achieving a muscular body can have serious consequences on the mental health of those who suffer from it, since it affects their self-esteem, their perception of themselves and their emotional well-being.
The obsession with physical appearance
Vigorexia is characterized by a constant obsession with achieving a muscular and defined body, which leads people to dedicate much of their time and energy to the cult to the body. These people usually spend several hours a day in the gym, follow extremely restrictive diets and may use substances such as anabolic steroids to accelerate muscle growth.
This obsession with physical appearance becomes the center of the lives of those who suffer from vigorexia, affecting their interpersonal relationships, their academic or work performance, and even their physical health. Constant worry about your body image can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction, shame and self-criticism, generating a negative emotional cycle that affects your psychological well-being.
Impact on self-esteem and body image
People who suffer from vigorexia usually have a distorted perception of their body image, which means that they never feel satisfied with their physical appearance, no matter how much they manage to develop muscle. This constant dissatisfaction can lead to self-esteem problems and a low perception of oneself.
In addition, constant comparison with unrealistic beauty models, often promoted on social networks and the media, can increase feelings of inferiority and generating anxiety about not reaching the beauty standards imposed by society. This further contributes to body dissatisfaction and the obsessive search for physical perfection.
Associated psychological disorders
Vigorexia is closely related to other psychological disorders, such as body dysmorphia, anxiety, depression and eating disorders. People who suffer from vigorexia may experience symptoms such as obsessions and compulsions related to body image, fear of gaining weight, social isolation, irritability, among others.
These symptoms can significantly interfere with the daily lives of those who suffer. vigorexia, limiting your activities, your personal relationships and your general well-being. Furthermore, the constant anguish of not meeting one's own physical expectations can lead to a deterioration in mental and emotional health, generating a vicious circle that is difficult to break.
Consequences on mental health
Vigorexia can have serious consequences on the mental health of those who suffer from it, as it affects their emotional well-being, their quality of life and their perception of themselves. Some of the most common consequences of vigorexia on mental health include:
Mood disorders
People with vigorexia may experience sudden changes in their mood, going from the euphoria of achieving certain physical goals to the frustration and sadness of not achieving the desired perfection. This emotional swing can affect your emotional stability and your ability to enjoy other areas of your life, generating constant discomfort.
Obsessions and compulsions
Obsession with body image can lead to to compulsive behaviors, such as constantly weighing oneself, obsessively counting calories, avoiding certain foods considered "unhealthy", among others. These compulsions can interfere with a person's daily life and hinder their ability to relate healthily to food and their body.
Self-acceptance problems
Vigorexia can make acceptance difficult of oneself as it is, generating a constant search for physical perfection that is never fulfilled. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, shame and self-criticism, affecting the way the person perceives themselves and their self-esteem.
Treatment and prevention
It is important to seek professional help if you think you might be experiencing vigorexia or if you know someone who might be suffering from this disorder. A psychologist or psychiatrist can help address dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors related to body image and work on building a healthier, more realistic self-image.
Treatment of vigorexia may include cognitive behavioral therapy. , nutritional therapy, family therapy, among other therapeutic approaches that help the person understand and modify their patterns of thinking and behavior related to physical appearance.
Prevention
To prevent vigorexia, it is important to promote a culture of exercise and healthy eating based on balance and comprehensive well-being, instead of the obsessive search for the perfect physical appearance. Promoting a positive relationship with one's own body, based on respect and acceptance, can help prevent disorders related to body image.
In addition, it is essential to educate the population, especially young people, about the risks associated with obsession with body image and unrealistic beauty standards promoted in today's society. Promoting body diversity and acceptance of beauty in all its forms can help create a healthier culture around the body and physical appearance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vigorexia is a psychological disorder that affects the mental health of those who suffer from it, generating obsession with physical appearance, self-esteem problems, anxiety, depression and other related disorders. It is important to seek professional help if you think you might be experiencing vigorexia or if you know someone who may need support.
Remember that beauty goes far beyond physical appearance and that your worth as a person does not depend on your body or your muscles. Learning to love and accept yourself as you are is an important process for your emotional well-being and mental health.