The New Trend that is a Major Cause for Concern

Muscle Dysmorphia is a disorder that falls under a sub-set of Body Dysmorphia and impacts mostly males. In fact, 54% of male bodybuilders have some level of Muscle Dysmorphia. At Studio SWEAT onDemand, we want to provide you with education on all sorts of healthy living topics, so Founder Cat Kom is joined by SSoD Trainer Carolyn (and former bodybuilder) to discuss this important issue.

What exactly is Muscle Dysmorphia?

This disorder, classified under Obsessive Compulsive Disorders in the DSM-5, is a compulsion or desire to be unusually muscular or “bulky.” People with this disorder never think they’re big enough, so will take excessive action in their quest to “get bigger.”

Muscle Dysmorphia isn’t talked about often. The fitness industry has many arenas or specialties. Carolyn has been in the bodybuilder world and sees this daily. Social media with edited or filtered images, or even actual images of muscular bodybuilders, just adds to the problem.

Why is this such a trend?

Our entire world is infiltrated with messages to be pretty and look flawless. Industries are dedicated to helping people achieve flawless looks, and search for perfection. Carolyn shares that she has had body dysmorphia, with an unhealthy relationship with food. When her kids were younger she remembers saying things like, “Mommy is so fat.” She’s grateful that she was able to change that messaging so that her children haven’t experienced the same challenges.

Cat has two sons who are young men. In their age group, it’s common to hear things like, “How can I gain muscle? How can I bulk up?” But it’s important to embrace your body type. Long and lean may be your beautiful destiny. 

Another thing Cat and Carolyn both see is an unhealthy food relationship. When you’re trying to bulk up, you eat, eat, eat, but may not be taking in the right foods, or you become so obsessed that you can’t eat. This is similar, although converse to when you’re trying to lose weight but end up binging on too much food.

What to do if you suspect Muscle Dysmorphia?

First of all, it’s extraordinarily rare for someone to recognize this in themselves. If a friend or loved one seems to be suffering from Muscle Dysmorphia, you may notice OCD-like behaviors. An outlet for obsessive personalities can be exercise or over-exercise.

Carolyn and Cat recommend a few ways to provide support:

• Do validate their feelings.
• Don’t say something like “snap out of it.”
• Do encourage therapy.
• Do support healthy relationships with people and with fitness.

For a great variety of workouts for a well-rounded fitness routine that help you stay healthy inside and out, check out a Free Trial over on Studio SWEAT onDemand! Download the app, or if you happen to live in southern California, visit us in our San Diego studio.