Body dysmorphia is when someone obsessively focuses on something they perceive as a flaw with their body. Teens with a body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) struggle to accept their appearance, which leads to stress and behaviors to try and “fix” the “flaw.” Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a specific type of BDD that causes people to feel too small or not muscular enough. Teen boys can be especially susceptible to MD.
At Family First, we help teens with body image issues through adolescent eating disorder treatment. Eating disorders don’t all look the same but can cause serious stress and harm to your teen’s developing body and brain. Get help by calling 888.904.5947 today.
What Is Muscle Dysmorphia?
Muscle dysphoria—sometimes called “bigorexia” or “reverse anorexia”—is a constant preoccupation with the idea of being too small or not muscular enough.1 MD may or may not occur alongside an eating disorder. While people with MD do spend excessive time counting calories, adjusting their nutrient intake, and exercising, they may not struggle with malnutrition or severe weight loss.
Young men and older teen boys are more prone to develop MD, though women can be affected too. They may start with a healthy passion for working out and lifting weights but then spiral into a cycle that prevents them from doing much else.
MD Can Be Dangerous
Living with muscle dysphoria can be dangerous because of the obsessive thoughts that lead to compulsive behaviors in an attempt to “fix” something about the body. Since individuals living with MD constantly strive to have bigger, leaner muscles, they often rely on lifting weights and strict eating rules that continue to feed the obsessive/compulsive cycle.
MD closely resembles obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), though there are differences. The preoccupation with muscle size and body image can cause significant distress. Shame, insecurity, and low self-esteem can cause low mood, self-harm, and poor coping behaviors.2 Many people turn to abusing substances like anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs to try and achieve their ideal body image. Unfortunately, for most, they’re never happy with how they look.
Why Are Teen Boys at Risk?
Nearly half of today’s teens are “almost constantly” online. They browse social media sites like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. On these platforms, being muscular and buff is trendy and idealized. When teens watch the content put out on these platforms that glorifies bigorexia and interact with the communities they create, they can often feel like they’re not enough as they currently are.
Teen boys are in a time of major transition, with a surge of hormones, changing minds, and developing social groups. Many may be insecure about their appearance or may be trying to fit in with a particular group of peers. When faced with the pressures and expectations they perceive online, it almost seems like the right thing to do. Plus, they may think it’s less dangerous to be “addicted” to going to the gym rather than drinking or using drugs.
Spotting Bigorexia
Identifying the patterns around muscle dysphoria can be difficult. Nearly everyone has dealt with body image issues, and many continue to struggle with them silently. Working out and eating a healthy diet is usually seen as an overall good, but it can go too far. Without moderation, teens can take their health goals to dangerous extremes.
Your son might be dealing with muscle dysphoria if he:
- Follows a strict diet – A healthy diet is fine, but when it precludes him from enjoying his favorite meal on a special occasion, going out with family, or accepting food at a friend’s house, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
- Is obsessed with working out – If your son insists on going to the gym even when he’s injured and limits social activities in favor of exercising, this could be a red flag. Working out should not interfere with immediate health concerns or daily life and responsibilities.
- Criticizes himself excessively – People with MD may obsess over small details about their bodies and criticize themselves constantly. They may spend hours looking at themselves in the mirror and trying to identify perceived flaws.
- Wear baggy clothes – He may try to look bigger than he is or cover up what he perceives as small muscles by wearing baggy clothes. On the other hand, he may spend excessive time finding tighter or more revealing clothes that highlight specific areas of the body.
- Go on extreme bulk/cut cycles – Many people with MD will go through extreme phases of bulking (consuming excess calories to gain muscle mass) and cutting (restricting calories to lose body fat). These cycles, when taken to extremes, can be very taxing on the body and lead to dangerous weight fluctuations.
Experimenting with anabolic steroids is also a sign of reverse anorexia. You may notice severe, sudden acne, aggressive behavior that goes beyond normal outbursts, and secretive or isolating behavior. Steroids are extremely dangerous for teens as they interfere with normal growth patterns, leading to health risks.3
What to Do if Your Teen Has Muscle Dysphoria
Your teen deserves support and guidance through the challenges of adolescence. If they’re dealing with bigorexia, you can help them by:
Listening
Your teen may feel shame or embarrassment about their body image struggles. Let them know that you’re there to support them and that they can talk to you without judgment. Validate their feelings and let them know that it’s okay not to feel 100% confident all the time.
Finding Balance
Working out with your teen and enjoying healthy meals together can be a way to balance out their obsession with exercise and diet. Encourage them to take breaks from working out and participate in other activities they enjoy.
Seeking Professional Help
Talk therapy can help teens explore their underlying feelings and other mental health challenges that lead to muscle dysphoria. A team of mental health professionals can provide your teen with the tools they need to manage their body image issues and build healthier coping mechanisms.
The team at Family First has more than 120 years of combined clinical experience helping people with their mental health. We can help your teen work through their body image issues and build a happier, healthier relationship with themselves.
Call Family First Adolescent Services Now
Balance is the key to a healthier, happier future for your teen, and we can help them find it. With comprehensive support from the Family First team, your teen can find a better way forward while we help your family reconnect in a healthier environment. Give us a call at 888.904.5947 or contact us online to get started.
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