Symptoms and Signs of Bigorexia / Muscle Dysmorphia

People suffering from bigorexia are constantly worrying about their muscle size and spend excessive time exercising, even if they are already muscular.

Most cases of bigorexia are under diagnosed or go un-noticed because in today’s society, muscular men or women are admired. However, it is necessary to diagnose individuals exhibiting symptoms of bigorexia, as this disorder can result in severe depression and significantly impair quality of life.

The most common symptoms and signs of bigorexia include-

Constant worry about muscle size, even if the person is already muscular
Spending excessive amount of time in exercising especially weight lifting and other muscle building exercises. The person exercises even when injured or in pain and may avoid social events in order to exercise. He suffers from extreme anxiety or distress if a workout is missed.

Constant viewing of oneself in the mirror to check out muscle growth
Comparing oneself to other muscular individuals
Following extreme diets to increase the muscle mass
Abusing anabolic steroids and other supplements in an attempt to promote muscular growth

References:

James L, Edward S, Kimberly G. Recognition and Treatment of Muscle Dysmorphia and Related Body Image Disorders. J AthlTrain 2005; 40(4):352-359.
Courtney P, Harrison P, William M, Christina F, Roberto O, Katharine P. Clinical features of muscle dysmorphia among males with body dysmorphic disorder. Body Image 2005; 2(4):395-400.
What is Muscle Dysmorphia, Bigorexia, Reverse Anorexia? - (http://www.healthyplace.com/ocd-related-disorders/body -dysmorphic-disorder/what-is-muscle-dysmorphia-bigorexia -reverse-anorexia/)

Published on Jan 10, 2014
Last Updated on Jan 10, 2014

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

APA

Dr. Simi Paknikar. (2014, January 10). Symptoms and Signs of Bigorexia / Muscle Dysmorphia. Medindia. Retrieved on May 28, 2022 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/symptoms-and-signs-of-bigorexia.htm.
MLA

Dr. Simi Paknikar. "Symptoms and Signs of Bigorexia / Muscle Dysmorphia". Medindia. May 28, 2022. <https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/symptoms-and-signs-of-bigorexia.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Simi Paknikar. "Symptoms and Signs of Bigorexia / Muscle Dysmorphia". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/symptoms-and-signs-of-bigorexia.htm. (accessed May 28, 2022).
Harvard
Dr. Simi Paknikar. 2021. Symptoms and Signs of Bigorexia / Muscle Dysmorphia. Medindia, viewed May 28, 2022, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/symptoms-and-signs-of-bigorexia.htm.