Bigorexia, also known as muscle dysphoria, is a condition in which a person is constantly dissatisfied with their body and believes they look very thin or weak. In reality, they may already be strong and have well-developed muscles.
Bigorexia can lead to excessive exercise, an intense focus on diet, and the use of anabolic steroids. These behaviors can increase the risk of serious health problems.
Treatment for bigorexia should involve appropriate health professionals, such as a psychologist, registered dietitian, and fitness professional. This multidisciplinary approach can help reduce symptoms and support a healthier lifestyle.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of bigorexia are:
- Dissatisfaction with one's own body, with the person sometimes not recognizing their appearance in the mirror;
- Intense and excessive physical activity;
- Feelings of inferiority related to dissatisfaction with the body;
- Persistent muscle pain throughout the body;
- Excessive fatigue;
- Irritability;
- Depression;
- Insomnia;
- Loss of interest in activities unrelated to exercise;
- Reduced sexual performance.
People with bigorexia often follow a very restrictive diet, consume excessive amounts of protein, including protein supplements, and use anabolic steroids.
They may also spend hours at the gym and continually increase the amount of weight used during exercise.
Possible causes
Bigorexia is a psychological disorder that may be associated with changes in the production and/or use of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters involved in feelings of pleasure.
Bigorexia is also associated with viewing a strong, muscular body as the ideal body type, as well as with low self-esteem and a desire for acceptance. As a result, some people may become obsessed with exercise and diet in an attempt to achieve the body they consider ideal.
An excessive preoccupation with healthy eating, known as orthorexia, is also a psychological disorder. It is characterized by a limited-variety diet caused by an excessive concern with food purity and the avoidance of foods of animal origin.
Possible complications
Bigorexia can lead to health complications such as:
- Kidney failure;
- Liver failure;
- Circulatory problems;
- Anxiety and depression;
- Increased risk of prostate cancer;
- Testicular shrinkage, which can affect male fertility.
Complications of bigorexia are mainly associated with the frequent and prolonged use of anabolic steroid hormones and protein supplements.
Treatment options
Treatment for bigorexia involves a multidisciplinary team that may include a doctor, psychologist, registered dietitian, and fitness professional.
1. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an important part of bigorexia treatment because it can help the person accept their body as it is and improve self-esteem.
2. Nutritional counseling
Nutritional counseling is a fundamental part of treatment for bigorexia. A registered dietitian can assess the person's nutritional needs and adjust their diet so that health and fitness goals can be pursued safely.
In addition, discontinuing the use of anabolic steroids and unnecessary protein supplements may be recommended.
3. Medications
In some cases, medications that affect serotonin levels may be recommended to help manage depression, anxiety, and other symptoms related to obsessive-compulsive behavior.
Also recommended: Serotonin: Uses, Functions, Low vs High & How to Boost tuasaude.com/en/serotonin4. Supervised exercise
Physical exercise does not need to be stopped. However, it should be performed under the guidance of a qualified fitness professional so that it is done safely and without excessive training.
