Eating Disorder Signs and Symptoms What are the symptoms of bigorexia?
Eating disorder signs and symptoms tend to be overlooked when it comes to males. Male eating disorders are not nearly as visible or accepted, and so often they go ignored. But these eating disorders are just as real as any eating disorder that afflicts women and girls.
Unfortunately, because of the stigma that eating disorders in males don't exist, treatment for men with eating disorders is often not obtained. The statistics when it comes to male eating disorders as opposed to female eating disorders is up to 10:1 - that is for every ten women who have an eating disorder, one male has an eating disorder. However, this number could be quite a bit higher. It just may be that men don't seek help for their eating disorders like women do.
That's why it's important to recognize the warning signs of eating disorders in men early. If you do recognize the warning signs, maybe more men will get the help they need.
Men typically suffer from bigorexia - an eating disorder that focuses on bodybuilding and building muscles. This disorder is also known as muscle dysmorphia, which literally means an inability to see your musculature for what it is. Bodybuilders can become obsessed with growing their muscles. They may not feel like there is enough muscle definition. They do not see their muscles as big as they really are. There are definitely elements of body dysmorphia in bigorexia.
What are the Bigorexia Eating Disorder Signs and Symptoms?
Spends an excessive amount of time in the gym, weightlifting and working out
Will refuse to go out with family and friends in order to workout
Becomes extremely anxious if not able to go to the gym to workout
Eats mainly protein
Eats very little carbohydrates
Has increased his food intake in order to bulk up
Constantly checks himself out in the mirror or stops for any reflection - seems very vain
Compares himself to others, especially when it comes to how muscular someone is
May completely avoid his reflection because it is too distressing
Unlike most body builders, he will cover his body up so no one can see it
Makes comments that his body is not muscular enough (even though he spends most of his free time bodybuilding)
Sees himself as scrawny or small even though he is very muscular
Constantly worries about the amount of body fat he has
Even though he may be sick or injured, refuses to take time off or scale back workouts
May be very moody (this can be a sign of steroid use)
Uses steroids
Has low self esteem
These eating disorder signs and symptoms tend to effect male body builders. But they can also effect women. If you are suffering from bigorexia, and you are obsessed with building muscle, you may have a problem. Seek help now.
