A person who suffers from muscle dysmorphia perceives his or her body to be weaker and smaller than what it is. Recent research suggests that the social media can have an impact on Body Dysmorphic Disorder. The prevalence of muscle dysmorphia, which mostly affects males, is unknown. According to studies, between 1.7% and 2.4% of individuals may fit the criteria. Experts in Canada found that 1 in 4 of the 2,000 adolescents who participated in an experiment were clinically at risk for muscle dysmorphia. The study’s author, Kyle Ganson of the University of Toronto Assistant Professor, stated that “overall, our results emphasize that young people strive for muscularity and that this causes significant distress.”
Researchers are beginning to examine the effects of social media exposure on muscle dysmorphia. According to health experts, buff movie stars, athletes or influencers could worsen the issue. Teenagers, in particular, are at high risk. John Mingoia is a University of South Australia lecturer and co-author of the study. He said that men are exposed to hypermuscular ideals on social media, especially through celebrity and fitness content. When these posts receive a large number of positive comments and likes, it reinforces the idea that this body standard is what men should aim for.
A study showed a link between the use of filters on images and certain symptoms. A recent study surveyed 100 Australian men to find out how frequently they view fashion or fitness content, and what value they attach to comments and likes.
According to researchers, those who give a lot of importance to receiving comments and likes on social media platforms such as TikTok or Instagram are at higher risk for muscle dysmorphia. Researchers found that receiving comments and likes on social media platforms such as TikTok or Instagram was only one factor in determining muscle dysmorphia. Luigi Donnarumma is the co-author and says that viewing celebrity fitness or fashion content was not significant.
Muscle Dysmorphia can be caused by many things other than social media. All of these triggers are possible: bullying, low self-esteem and childhood trauma.
People with muscle dysmorphia often have the belief that their bodies are weak, small or lacking in muscles. It is also common in both men and women who are bodybuilders, or lift weights on a regular basis. Muscle dysmorphia, also known as bigorexia, can cause an obsession to work out or use drugs or steroids to alter their appearance. In cases of muscle dysmorphia or reverse anorexia (also known as bigorexia), the focus is on how muscular and large a person becomes, not how thin they can become.
Health Risks
It is important to note that the impact of working out on mental health does not stop at body image. The compulsion can also lead to isolation from others and to other negative behaviors. This disorder can be combined with orthorexia, or the obsession of eating healthy foods. As with BDD, people who suffer from muscle dysmorphia can also be depressed, experience suicidal feelings, or even attempt suicide. It is a condition that has serious implications. Donnarumma emphasizes that those who regularly go to the gymnasium or who love it are not necessarily at risk, as there is a range of symptoms to be considered. He says that those who are concerned about their muscle dysmorphia, or mental health in general, should seek professional advice. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one possible treatment method for people with muscle dysmorphia.
Researchers are researching the best way to treat this condition. Increased awareness of muscle dysmorphia, its severity, and the potential for treatment could encourage those who are at risk to seek help, including psychotherapy, like other eating disorders or body image problems.
