Knowra Muscle dysmorphia Muscle dysmorphia Muscle dysmorphia is a form of body dysmorphic disorder in which a person persistently believes their body is insufficiently muscular, despite contrary evidence. It can drive distress and repetitive behaviors focused on gaining muscle or changing appearance.
Body dysmorphic disorder : A mental disorder involving persistent preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others. Muscle dysmorphia is classified as a form of this disorder.
Body image : A person's perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and attitudes about their body. Muscle dysmorphia involves a distressing mismatch between perceived and actual muscularity.
Anabolic steroid : A synthetic substance that promotes tissue growth by mimicking testosterone and related hormones. Some people pursue these drugs to address perceived inadequate muscularity, risking serious harm.
Bigorexia : An informal name commonly used for muscle dysmorphia, emphasizing the belief that one's body is too small. The label is widely used, while muscle dysmorphia is the established clinical term.
Appearance preoccupation : Persistent attention to perceived defects in physical appearance. Perceived lack of muscularity becomes a recurring focus of thought.
Body image disturbance : A clinically significant disruption in how a person perceives or evaluates their body. The perceived lack of muscularity persists despite evidence that challenges it.
Resistance training : Exercise that makes muscles work against an external force to build strength or endurance. Training itself is not pathological; the distinction lies in distress, rigidity, and impairment.
Anorexia nervosa : An eating disorder involving restriction, fear of weight gain, and disturbance in body-weight or shape experience. Its characteristic fear concerns weight gain, unlike muscle dysmorphia's perceived lack of muscularity.
Compulsive exercise : Exercise performed rigidly or excessively despite harm, distress, or interference with daily life. Training can become repetitive and difficult to reduce despite its costs.
Eating disorder : A mental disorder involving persistent disturbances in eating behavior and related thoughts or emotions. Muscle dysmorphia can overlap with disordered eating and rigid food practices.
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