Muscle dysmorphia, also known as muscle dysmorphia. It was first described in 1993 by Dr. Harrison Pope. It is a disorder characterized by a morbid obsession with gaining muscle mass. Those affected perceive their bodies as underdeveloped and weak. So they frequent the gym, often look at themselves in the mirror, and strictly monitor their weight and the circumference of their biceps and torso. Also it primarily affects young men, but can occur in women.
Dr. Pope and his colleagues explored the side effects of anabolic steroid abuse. In people who used gyms and discovered that some of them exhibited psychotic behaviors.
When an obsession with an enviable physique leads a man or woman to spend three, four, or more hours a day at the gym. There’s no doubt they have a problem of this kind.
How does the disorder manifest itself?
After hours of intense workouts at the gym, those who practice it never feel muscular enough. They find flaws that prevent them from having a perfect body. And feel compelled to continue exercising for longer. This desire to look “perfect” can lead them to use anabolic steroids and other substances. That generally cause damage to the body and endanger their lives.
Interest in researching muscle dysmorphia is recent, but it was already considered a problem. And has been the subject of scientific research. Some studies suggest that muscle dysmorphia may be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Its victims are compelled to repeat routines and engage in behaviors beyond their control.
These are the main symptoms of individuals with muscle dysmorphia:
- Preoccupation with being weak or lacking muscle mass.
- Inability to objectively perceive one’s own body, leading to body dissatisfaction.
- Constant self-monitoring in the mirror to check muscle size.
- Low self-esteem due to negative feelings about their image.
- A desire for physical improvement beyond what is reasonable.
- A need to break barriers and establish new limits in body shape.
- A compulsive need to lift weights.
- Negative impact on social, family, and romantic life due to body image, training, and diet.
- Abuse of anabolic steroids, dietary supplements, and hormones.
The profile of these patients defines them as immature. Introverted individuals with integration and security problems. Low self-esteem, and who believe they are unattractive to the opposite sex due to their physical appearance.
They are also victims of the media, which promotes the image of the strong, athletic man as the prototype of health and success. This can cause an obsession with body image and frustration in adolescents. Also whose physique does not conform to these standards.
While muscle dysmorphia (vigorexia) is a mental health disorder. So it is a phenomenon that has global repercussions on health due to the problems caused by anabolic steroids.
Regarding the treatment of muscle dysmorphia
American researcher Eric Hollander, a specialist in obsessive-compulsive disorders at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine (New York). He suggests that treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants may be effective.
It has also been shown that standard psychological therapies for behavioral modification. Indicated for obsessive-compulsive disorder, can be remarkably helpful.
Some specialists have linked muscle dysmorphia (vigorexia) to narcissism. Others consider them two disorders that, while sharing commonalities, have different essences and connotations.
The truth is that a new epidemic is taking place in our world today. And it is beginning to alarm experts in various fields: the modern obsession with physical perfection. With a common symptomatology in the desire for a perfect body image.
It is not uncommon to observe how aesthetic standards are established as a symbol of social success. Also beyond any other personal quality, potentially leading to serious and irreversible consequences. For many of the individuals caught up in such pressure mechanisms.
Exercising and being fit is not harmful. Doing so excessively and obsessively is.
- Muscle dysmorphia: the obsession with body perfection - 2 de March de 2026
- Personality Disorders: Understanding to Support and Accompany - 25 de February de 2026
- A Guide to Improving Our Mental Health - 16 de January de 2026