Health4 min(s) read
Published 14:05 18 Mar 2025 GMT
In a world increasingly driven by social media and idealized body images, a growing number of young men are developing a condition known as "bigorexia".
With the number of cases on the rise, experts are speaking out about the signs and dangers of the condition, and how parents and guardians of young men and boys can be on the lookout and support loved ones.
Despite its prevalence, bigorexia remains underdiagnosed, especially among young men.
According to clinical psychologist Amy Gooding from the Eating Recovery Center, those suffering from the disorder often have a distorted perception of their bodies, believing 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.
"Restricting calories or categories of food. Excessive consumption of protein. Preoccupations with body shape, body size, eating, and disordered relationship to exercise and food."
While eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia have long been recognized, muscle dysmorphia has only recently gained attention.
A 2019 study cited by HuffPost found that 22% of adolescent boys engaged in “muscularity-oriented disordered eating behaviors,” such as excessive dietary restrictions, supplement use, and even steroid consumption in an effort to bulk up.
Experts warn that bigorexia is a particularly insidious disorder because many of its behaviors — such as extreme weightlifting and high-protein diets — are normalized in fitness culture.
“Muscle dysmorphia can be overlooked for several reasons — one being that it can lead to behaviors often encouraged in the weight room,” Gooding said.
“Studies indicate that standards of beauty are overwhelmingly ingested from popular culture. And today’s popular culture has been supersized," NextStep Solutions author Darice Warren writes. "Today, paragons of male strength are more massive than they have ever been before.”
Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician specializing in eating disorders, agrees.
“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.
He noted that influencers and celebrities often make a living off their physique but have access to trainers, chefs, performance-enhancing substances, and editing tools that give them an unrealistic and often unattainable look.
“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.
Although bigorexia is most commonly seen in men, anyone can develop the disorder.
Research suggests that individuals with a family history of mental health conditions, low self-esteem, or perfectionist tendencies are at higher risk.
Competitive athletes, bodybuilders, and people who lift weights to change their appearance are particularly vulnerable, according to Nagata.
“Athletes who lift weights to change the appearance of their bodies are at higher risk than those who focused on improving performance,” he said.
Bullying and trauma can also contribute to the development of muscle dysmorphia, especially if an individual has been mocked for their body in the past.
Experts urge parents and peers to be aware of red flags that indicate a person may be struggling with bigorexia. Some of the most common warning signs include:
Nagata warned that these behaviors can “worsen quality of life and impair social, school, or daily functioning.”
Because bigorexia is a mental health disorder, professional treatment is often necessary.
Therapy — particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) — can help individuals develop a healthier self-image and reduce compulsive behaviors.
For parents, experts recommend the following:
Therapist Cherie Miller encourages parents to contextualize celebrity transformations for their kids.
Miller tell HuffPost: “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.’”
If someone is already struggling with bigorexia, early intervention is key.
“Boys with muscle dysmorphia or eating disorders should seek professional help,” Nagata emphasized. “The earlier this is dealt with, the better …”
Muscle dysmorphia, once an overlooked disorder, is becoming increasingly common among young men, driven by social media, fitness culture, and unrealistic beauty standards.
While extreme workouts and diet may seem harmless — ... ...
The National Eating Disorders Association stresses that receiving "a diagnosis is only the first step towards recovery from an eating disorder" - so if you or somebody you know is concerned about bigorexia, speak to your doctor or a medical professional.
With the right awareness, conversations, and professional help, individuals can break free from the cycle of self‑doubt and obsessive muscle‑building — and instead, focus on genuine strength, well‑being, and self‑acceptance.
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