The article contains discussion around body image and eating disorders that some people will find upsetting.
For years, conversations around eating disorders have largely centred on thinness. But now, experts say a different — and far less recognised — body image crisis is quietly taking hold among young men.
It’s called “bigorexia.”
Also known as muscle dysmorphia, the Adonis complex, reverse anorexia, or megarexia, the condition is classified as a form of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). And unlike traditional eating disorders driven by a fear of being “too big,” bigorexia causes sufferers to believe they are too small — or not muscular enough — even when they may already have an impressive physique.
In a world saturated with gym culture and social media “#gains,” specialists warn the condition is becoming increasingly common.
What Exactly Is Bigorexia?
At its core, muscle dysmorphia is a distorted perception of one’s body.
According to clinical psychologist Amy Gooding from the Eating Recovery Center, individuals struggling with the disorder often become preoccupied with the belief that they are not muscular enough.
“This belief and subsequent preoccupation can lead to unhealthy behaviors, including obsessive exercise, and may lead to changing one’s eating to be as lean as possible,” Gooding explained to HuffPost.
While dedication to fitness is often celebrated, bigorexia goes far beyond healthy habits. The National Alliance for Eating Disorders outlines common behaviours linked to the condition: “Compulsive and excessive exercise, especially workouts that build muscle, such as lifting weights.
“Restricting calories or categories of food. Excessive consumption of protein. Preoccupations with body shape, body size, eating, and disordered relationship to exercise and food.”
In more severe cases, individuals may turn to performance-enhancing drugs or steroids in pursuit of a physique they still perceive as inadequate.
Why Is It Growing?
Although anorexia and bulimia have been widely recognised for decades, muscle dysmorphia has only recently entered mainstream conversation.
A 2019 study cited by HuffPost found that 22% of adolescent boys engaged in “muscularity-oriented disordered eating behaviours,” including extreme dieting, supplement use, and steroid consumption in attempts to bulk up.
Experts say the disorder can be especially difficult to identify because many of its behaviours are normalised — even praised — in fitness culture. “Muscle dysmorphia can be overlooked for several reasons — one being that it can lead to behaviours often encouraged in the weight room,” Gooding said.
Heavy lifting. High-protein diets. Strict meal prep. Early morning workouts.
On the surface, it can look like discipline. Underneath, it can be distress.
The Role of Social Media
Social media has significantly amplified the pressure.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are flooded with hyper-muscular physiques, transformation videos, and “what I eat in a day” content showcasing extreme diets.
NextStep Solutions connects the rise in bigorexia directly to this digital landscape, stating: “With the proliferation of social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, amateur bodybuilders are more popular than ever. Glorifying high protein diets and #gains, this new breed of influencers is perpetuating a whole new standard of male aesthetic.”
Author Darice Warren adds: “Studies indicate that standards of beauty are overwhelmingly ingested from popular culture. And today’s popular culture has been supersized. Today, paragons of male strength are more massive than they have ever been before.”
The pressure doesn’t stop at consumption.
Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician specialising in eating disorders, points out that young people aren’t just viewing ideal bodies — they feel compelled to present their own.
“Not only are young people consuming body ideals from the media, but they feel pressure to produce content and display their own bodies on social media,” Nagata told HuffPost.
Meanwhile, many influencers and celebrities benefit from personal trainers, private chefs, performance-enhancing substances, and digital editing tools.
“Most 15-year-old kids don’t think about these facts when they see images of actors like Hugh Jackman looking ripped. Instead, they might develop dissatisfaction with their own bodies,” said psychology professor Joseph J. Trunzo of Bryant University.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Although the condition is more commonly reported in boys and men, anyone can develop muscle dysmorphia.
Research suggests individuals with low self-esteem, perfectionist tendencies, or a family history of mental health conditions may be more vulnerable.
Competitive athletes and bodybuilders also face elevated risk.
“Athletes who lift weights to change the appearance of their bodies are at higher risk than those who focused on improving performance,” Nagata said.
Past bullying or trauma related to body image can also contribute to the disorder’s development.
Warning Signs To Look Out For
Because bigorexia often hides behind socially accepted fitness routines, recognising red flags is crucial.
Experts highlight the following warning signs:
- Obsession with exercise — skipping social events or responsibilities to work out
- Extreme dietary restrictions — rigid eating patterns or avoiding entire food groups
- Excessive protein consumption
- Frequent mirror-checking and dissatisfaction despite visible muscle growth
- Use of steroids or unsafe supplements
- Social withdrawal due to preoccupation with appearance
Nagata warned these behaviours can “worsen quality of life and impair social, school, or daily functioning.”
Dietary supplements are also playing a growing role.
A University of Toronto study cited by Consumer Affairs found that 55–80% of adolescent boys and men and 33–50% of adolescent girls and women regularly consume whey protein powders.
For some, supplementation may be harmless.
For others, it can signal a deeper fixation.
What Can Parents And Guardians Do?
Because bigorexia is a mental health condition, professional support is often necessary.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help individuals develop healthier self-image patterns and reduce compulsive behaviours.
Experts also encourage parents to take a proactive role.
That includes limiting excessive social media exposure — but also discussing what children are seeing online.
Therapist Cherie Miller shared how she addresses celebrity transformations with her own child.
“I’ve been having conversations with my 9-year-old son like, ‘Let’s read what Hugh Jackman said about what he had to do to transform into Wolverine and look like this.’ It’s a chance to say, ‘This isn’t normal, this isn’t realistic, and this is not something that we should try to attain.’”
Other strategies include:
- Promoting body diversity and realistic standards
- Challenging harmful fitness trends
- Focusing conversations on health, energy, and strength rather than appearance
Most importantly, early intervention matters.
“Boys with muscle dysmorphia or eating disorders should seek professional help,” Nagata emphasized. “The earlier this is dealt with, the better. Left unchecked, the consequences can be life-altering.”
The Bigger Picture
It’s important to keep in mind that Bigorexia is not about vanity. It’s about distortion.
It’s about young men standing in front of a mirror, seeing someone too small — even when everyone else sees strength.
As society continues to broaden conversations around mental health, recognising muscle dysmorphia as a serious and growing issue is critical.
The National Eating Disorders Association stresses that receiving “a diagnosis is only the first step towards recovery from an eating disorder.”
If you or someone you know is concerned about muscle dysmorphia or disordered eating behaviours, speaking to a doctor or qualified medical professional is an important next step.
Strength should never come at the cost of wellbeing.
And sometimes, the bravest thing a young man can do isn’t lift more weight — it’s ask for help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or disordered eating, support is available. Contact Beat Eating Disorders on 0808 801 0677 (free helpline) or visit beateatingdisorders.org.uk for confidential advice and support.
Featured image credit: SportManual
