Who Is Impacted By Muscle Dysmorphia?

Muscle Dysmorphia affects men at higher rates than women. Competitive athletes and people who do bodybuilding or weight training are commonly impacted by MD, too. A significant amount of the population who have Muscle Dysmorphia are people who already have a muscular build. However, people with MD have distorted perceptions of their bodies and muscles.

Many men may be reluctant to seek treatment, allowing their MD to become more severe. Only 11.3% of men facing a mental health struggle reach out for help. Men are much less likely to seek help even when they suffer, which can also mean that there are more unreported cases of MD in men.

What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Muscle Dysmorphia?  

People with MD engage in repeated behaviors like looking at their muscles in the mirror. They also compare themselves with others to gauge how muscular they are. People with muscle dysmorphia overexercise; to the point of risking injury. Many with MD ignore signs their bodies are in pain and tend to feel guilty if they skip a workout. They may prioritize exercising over many other parts of their life, careers, families, social lives, and relationships.

Comorbidities of Muscle Dysmorphia 

Typically, OCD, substance abuse, mood disorders, and eating disorders like orthorexia are comorbid with MD. Low self-esteem, perfectionism, and social anxiety have been linked to the development of MD. Individuals who have MD often tie their self-worth to their muscle build, neglecting to recognize other parts of themselves, like their personality and their relationships that make them unique.

Muscle Dysmorphia in Society

Men are flooded with images of muscular builds; this is their societal beauty standard. We see men whose job is to look a certain way, particularly in advertisements and movies. Many male actors known for their muscular builds have said they have rigorous preparation for their roles. They usually have a team of people helping them, like personal trainers and chefs.

Dangers of Muscle Dysmorphia

Along with psychological and physical distress, muscle dysmorphia can lead to dangerous and concerning practices to enhance one’s muscles. People with MD can purposely dehydrate themselves to enhance their muscles. Many individuals use anabolic steroids and human growth hormones to enhance their muscles. These practices are aesthetic-driven at the cost of well-being.