Muscle dysmorphia, also known as vigorexia, is a psychological disorder in which a person has a distorted perception of their own body, especially in relation to their musculature. This disorder can lead to obsessive and harmful behaviors in search of a "perfect" body image. Below, the 7 main characteristics of muscle dysmorphia and how it can affect those who suffer from it will be detailed.
1. Obsession with muscles
One of the most obvious characteristics of muscle dysmorphia is the obsession with muscles. People who suffer from this disorder often have a distorted perception of their body, believing that they never have enough muscle, no matter how much exercise they do. This obsession can lead to an excessive increase in physical activity and the use of supplements or steroids to achieve a muscular body that they consider ideal.
2. Constant dissatisfaction
Those who suffer from muscle dysmorphia experience constant dissatisfaction with their body. Even though they may have developed muscles, they never feel "big" or "strong" enough. This dissatisfaction leads them to continually make comparisons with other people who they consider to be more muscular, thus contributing to perpetuating their disorder.
3. Distortion of body image
Distortion of body image is another fundamental characteristic of muscle dysmorphia. People who suffer from this disorder cannot see their body objectively, but instead perceive distortions that lead them to believe that they are fragile or weak, even when their muscles are considerable. This distortion can significantly affect your self-esteem and psychological well-being.
4. Excessive worry about eating
Excessive worry about eating is common in those who suffer from muscle dysmorphia. Many times, these people follow restrictive diets and obsessively control their food intake to maintain a low body fat percentage and highlight their muscles. This rigidity in eating can lead to eating disorders such as orthorexia or vigorexia, further complicating your relationship with food.
5. Anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are often present in people with muscle dysmorphia. Constant worry about your body image, dissatisfaction with your muscles, and comparison with other individuals can generate high levels of anxiety and feelings of sadness and hopelessness. These mental health problems can aggravate the disorder and make recovery difficult.
6. Social isolation
Social isolation is another characteristic that usually manifests itself in those who suffer from muscle dysmorphia. Body image shame, insecurity, and obsession with exercise can lead these people to avoid social situations that involve showing their body or interacting with others. Isolation can intensify the feeling of loneliness and worsen your psychological state.
7. Denial of the disorder
Finally, denial of the disorder is a common characteristic in individuals with muscle dysmorphia. Many times, they are not aware that they have a mental health problem and justify their obsessive behaviors in search of perfect muscles. This denial makes it difficult to seek professional help and appropriate treatment to overcome muscle dysmorphia.
In conclusion, muscle dysmorphia is a complex psychological disorder that affects the perception of body image and the mental health of those They suffer from it. Recognizing these 7 main characteristics of vigorexia can be the first step in seeking help, understanding your disorder, and working on your recovery.