Spotting the signs of bigorexia

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which the person repeatedly eats too much and then takes drastic steps, including vomiting, the use of laxatives, excessive exercise, or fasting, to compensate for that binge eating. People who have bulimia often struggle with feelings of shame or guilt about their behaviors.

What causes the disorder? The NHS says bigorexia could be a genetic disorder, or may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Life experiences may also be a factor, as the NHS suggests bigorexia may be more common in people who were teased, bullied or abused when they were young.

• Overexerting themselves at the gym.
• Working out compulsively.
• Use of steroids.
• Excessively looking at their body in the mirror.
• Abuse of supplements and constantly drinking protein shakes.
• Irritability and angry outbursts.
• Depression and mania.
• Panicking if a gym session is missed.

Treatment for bigorexia and other body dysmorphic disorders often involves therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in which a trained clinician guides clients through the process of examining and challenging assumptions and negative thoughts about appearance and body image so that thinking patterns can be …

WHO DOES MUSCLE DYSMORPHIA AFFECT? Muscle dysmorphia can affect anyone, but it is more prevalent in males than in females. Although numbers are difficult to estimate, as many as 100 000 people or more worldwide meet the formal diagnostic criteria in the general population.

While the cause of body dysmorphic disorder is unknown and probably multifactorial, involving genetic-neurobiological, evolutionary, and psychological factors, recent social pressures for boys and men to be large and muscular almost certainly contribute to the development of muscle dysmorphia.

As you can see, Body dysmorphia is just as prevalent in men as it is in women. It can also be very different from gender to gender. Not only do men and women have varying symptoms of BDD, but the category often referred to as “bigorexia” is much more common in men than it is in women.

One treatment that may help is intensive psychotherapy with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy. Your treatment plan may also include family sessions in addition to private sessions. The focus of the therapy is on identity building, perception, self-esteem, and self-worth.

Tips on helping someone with body dysmorphia include:

1. Work on steering conversations away from their appearance or what they see as flaws.
2. Avoid trying to make someone feel better by talking about your own insecurities or flaws.
3. Provide them with space to talk freely and openly with you about their feelings.

Try to avoid judging them as ‘vain’ or ‘self-obsessed’. Offer space to talk. It can be particularly difficult for someone experiencing BDD to acknowledge and speak about their thoughts, especially if they find them embarrassing. But speaking can be a first step in seeking help.