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Unlike body dysmorphic disorder which can focus on perceived flaws, muscle dysmorphia narrows in on muscularity itself, creating what some clinicians call ‘reverse anorexia’
The behavioural symptoms of bigorexia are parallel to those seen in other eating disorders, but the focus is on muscularity rather than weight loss. (Image: Getty)
In an era dominated by curated images of muscular body and chiseled physiques, the pressure on young men and teenagers to “bulk up” has become nearly as lasting as the workouts themselves. Fitspiration hashtags, algorithmic feeds and influencer culture have normalised a singular ideal of male attractiveness: bigger, leaner, stronger. But beneath the protein shakes and gym selfies, a lesser-known condition is quietly gaining prominence — muscle dysmorphia, often referred to in popular parlance as ‘bigorexia’.
This cultural sphere is contributing to an under-recognised but serious mental health issue among boys and young men: muscle dysmorphia, popularly known as bigorexia.
A 2025 Journal of Eating Disorders research found that probable muscle dysmorphia occurred in approximately 2.8% of boys and men in community samples aged 16–30, and that up to 26% were at clinical risk for the condition using standard screening tools. These figures may seem low compared to common conditions like anxiety or depression on aggregate, but they are notable given how little attention muscle dysmorphia has historically received in clinical and public health discussions.
Why Are More Young Men Becoming Obsessed With Muscle Gain?
Another 2025 study in the journal Body Image identified a strong link between exposure to muscularity-focused social media content and the development of muscle dysmorphia symptoms. The study found that content featuring supplements, transformation videos and performance-enhancing substances influenced body expectations independently of total screen time. Simply put, it is not how long young men are online but what they are seeing that is reshaping body ideals.
Cultural representation has also shifted. Modern male beauty standards increasingly celebrate hyper-muscular physiques across films, advertisements and fitness platforms. These images are often digitally enhanced, filtered or carefully staged, yet they establish benchmarks that young viewers internalise as achievable norms.
What Is Bigorexia?
Muscle dysmorphia is classified as a specifier of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and involves an obsessive preoccupation with the belief that one’s body is not muscular enough, even when objectively muscular. This obsession often manifests as compulsive training, rigid dieting, excessive self-monitoring and, in some cases, the use of performance-enhancing substances. The behavioural symptoms parallel those seen in other eating disorders, but the focus is on muscularity rather than weight loss.
Healthy fitness routines are generally flexible and adaptable to lifestyle changes, injuries or social commitments. In contrast, muscle dysmorphia often involves strict exercise schedules that dominate daily life. Missing a workout can trigger intense distress, while progress rarely satisfies the individual’s expectations.
How Is Social Media And Gym Culture Fuelling The Pressure?
Digital fitness communities have reshaped how young men perceive progress and achievement. Transformation videos, comparison posts and physique-centred content often showcase extreme body standards without context about genetics, professional training support or digital editing.
Social media algorithms tend to amplify similar content once users engage with fitness posts. Over time, feeds can become dominated by muscular body imagery, reinforcing the belief that extreme physiques are common or easily attainable. Research published in Body Image in 2025 found that repeated exposure to muscularity-driven content significantly increased dissatisfaction with body size among male users.
Gym culture has also evolved alongside social media trends. High-intensity training challenges, competitive transformation goals and supplement marketing contribute to an environment where rapid muscle gain is celebrated. While many fitness spaces encourage discipline and healthy habits, experts note that performance and appearance can sometimes overshadow overall well-being.
When Does Dedication To Fitness Cross Into A Mental Health Concern?
The transition from healthy discipline to harmful fixation is often subtle. Individuals experiencing muscle dysmorphia may gradually increase training frequency, adopt restrictive diets or develop anxiety around social eating and rest days.
Clinical research indicates that the disorder is frequently accompanied by mental health concerns such as depression, obsessive thinking patterns and social withdrawal. The 2026 Behavioural Sciences review also highlighted the association between muscle dysmorphia and performance-enhancing drug use, which introduces additional physical and psychological risks.
Another warning sign is the inability to feel satisfied with progress. Even with visible muscular development, individuals may continue to view themselves as inadequate. This persistent dissatisfaction can create a cycle of escalating exercise intensity and emotional distress.
Why Is Muscle Dysmorphia Often Overlooked In Men?
Societal perceptions of masculinity have historically discouraged open conversations about body image struggles among men. Strength, resilience and physical dominance are often portrayed as markers of confidence and success. As a result, behaviours associated with muscle dysmorphia can be misinterpreted as commitment or ambition.
Unlike eating disorders, which have received widespread public health attention, muscle dysmorphia remains relatively under-recognised. Experts suggest that this lack of awareness delays diagnosis and support, particularly among teenagers who may not recognise their behaviours as harmful.
The normalisation of intensive gym routines further complicates detection. Spending extended hours training or following strict nutrition plans is widely accepted in fitness communities, making it difficult to distinguish between professional athletic preparation and compulsive behaviour.
What Are The Long-Term Psychological And Social Consequences?
Muscle dysmorphia can significantly affect quality of life. Individuals may prioritise exercise over relationships, education or work commitments. Social isolation is common, particularly when strict diet routines restrict participation in social events.
Long-term psychological consequences include chronic anxiety, low self-esteem and distorted self-perception. Research suggests that untreated muscle dysmorphia can contribute to substance misuse, especially in pursuit of accelerated muscle growth.
The condition also affects broader emotional well-being. Constant comparison with idealised physiques can create persistent feelings of inadequacy, reinforcing mental health struggles rather than alleviating them.
Can Awareness And Early Support Help Reverse The Trend?
Mental health professionals increasingly advocate early screening and education to identify unhealthy fitness behaviours. Recognising warning signs such as compulsive exercise, extreme dietary control or distress linked to body image can help initiate timely intervention.
Experts emphasise that balanced fitness should support both physical health and psychological resilience. Encouraging realistic body expectations, promoting rest and recovery, and fostering open discussions around male body image are considered essential steps in addressing the growing concern.
Public awareness campaigns have historically focused on eating disorders among women, but similar attention is now being called for in discussions around male body image and fitness pressures.
As research into muscle dysmorphia expands, one message is becoming increasingly clear. Fitness culture continues to evolve, but sustainable health depends not just on physical strength, but on emotional balance. Recognising when ambition begins to compromise well-being may be the first step in ensuring that the pursuit of strength remains empowering rather than consuming.
February 11, 2026, 08:00 IST
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