The Unhealthy Obsession: Why Men Are Hitting the Gym for All the Wrong Reasons

The Unhealthy Obsession: Why Men Are Hitting the Gym for All the Wrong Reasons

When you think of eating disorders, images of sculpted men with bulging muscles at the gym don’t usually come to mind. But the truth is, 1 in 4 Australians suffering from eating disorders are males, according to the Butterfly Foundation. These men are so fixated on the gym, their diet, and the pursuit of larger or leaner muscles that they have muscle dysmorphia, also known as bigorexia. This condition, a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder, is one of the most common eating disorders for men.

The disorder is characterised by a belief that one’s muscles are not large or lean enough. According to Scott Griffiths, a senior research fellow at the University of Melbourne, young boys typically aspire to have jacked and muscular bodies, not thin and skinny ones. However, research on eating disorders and body issues for men lags about 20 years behind that for women, largely due to misconceptions about eating disorders.

Research on muscle dysmorphia is scarce, and the under-reporting from men makes it challenging to gauge its prevalence. A 2016 study found that less than 1% of body image and eating disorder research was exclusively focused on men. Reasons for this include men experiencing eating disorders later in life than women, the stigma associated with eating disorders being perceived as feminine, and symptoms going unnoticed or undiagnosed by doctors.

The Butterfly Foundation refers to the increasing prevalence of body image concerns in young men as the ‘silent crisis’ of men’s health. Gym culture has also evolved, with bodybuilding gaining popularity. While there are health benefits to building muscle, many men admit that they do it for appearance. Dr Griffiths points out that a sign of muscle dysmorphia is when a break from diet or a missed workout becomes distressing.

Alex Rodriguez, 25, shares his experience of turning to exercise after years of bullying. The praise for his appearance and discipline became an obsession, leading him to believe that his worth was tied to achieving a certain body. Dr Griffiths explains that many people associate being lean and muscular with masculinity and success, which can lead to a distorted self-image.

Men with eating disorders face unique challenges in seeking help due to stigmatisation. Alex highlights the barriers men face in speaking out about their mental health, compounded by the perception of eating disorders as a female condition. A UK study found that men often felt like the ‘odd one out’ in treatment spaces and preferred individualised approaches to treatment.

Dr Griffiths emphasises the need for education and guidelines for treating muscle dysmorphia in the psychology and medical fields. He also points to the role of algorithm-driven social media platforms in contributing to the problem. For Alex, who is now a qualified dietitian, he has found a healthier approach to exercise and eating, focusing on overall health rather than appearance.

In conclusion, the issue of muscle dysmorphia among men is a significant concern that requires greater awareness and understanding. It’s essential to address the stigma and misconceptions surrounding eating disorders in men and provide tailored support for those affected. By promoting a more holistic approach to health and fitness, we can help individuals like Alex find a healthier and more positive relationship with their bodies and self-esteem.