Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a body dysmorphic disorder in which an individual focuses excessively on the size of their muscles. It affects both men and women, but men have a much greater risk of developing MD. While MD isn’t necessarily an eating disorder, a comprehensive treatment plan may include eating disorder treatment for teens.
Teens, especially teenage boys, who spend a lot of time lifting weights or express an interest in bodybuilding could be showing early symptoms of MD. To learn more about MD and other body dysmorphic disorders, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® at 828.519.5047.
Muscle Dysmorphia Definition: What Is Muscle Dysmorphia?
The American Psychiatric Association classifies muscle dysmorphia, also known as “reverse anorexia,” as a form of body dysmorphic disorder.
However, the muscle dysmorphia definition is somewhat disputed. Mental health experts continue to debate whether MD is a behavioral addiction, an eating disorder, or a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
People with MD become so focused on the size and appearance of their muscles that bodybuilding becomes their sole focus. Someone living with MD might:
- Strictly regulate their food intake
- Constantly check themselves in the mirror or avoid mirrors altogether
- Spend an excessive amount of time lifting weights
- Work out even when not medically recommended due to injury or illness
- Isolate themselves from friends who aren’t interested in working out
- Skip social and family activities to exercise
Diagnosing muscle dysmorphia begins with an assessment called the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory. The inventory includes 13 questions that focus on the individual’s opinions about their health, their body image, and their need for exercise.
Is Body Dysmorphia an Eating Disorder?
While MD is not classified as an eating disorder, people with muscle dysmorphia often develop an eating disorder known as “orthorexia.”
Orthorexia is an obsession with eating healthy foods. While eating healthy foods may seem like a positive habit, individuals with orthorexia can become obsessed with a so-called healthy diet in the same way that people with anorexia become obsessed with low-calorie foods.
The need to eat only certain items can disrupt other facets of a person’s life and negatively impact their health. For example, chicken breasts, Greek yogurt, and almonds are healthy foods, but eating only those foods does not provide all of the nutrients a teenager’s body needs to be healthy.
So is body dysmorphia an eating disorder? Technically, no, but teens with MD are at high risk of developing an eating disorder.
Treatment for Muscle Dysmorphia
The first step in treating MD is getting a complete physical and mental health evaluation.
MD sufferers may also be experiencing depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or another mental health condition. Additionally, exercising too much and limiting food intake could cause physical health issues, especially for teens whose bodies are still developing.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a major focus in the treatment of MD. This therapy involves targeting the negative thoughts that may have led to MD. It is likely to be included in a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the teen’s individual needs.
Enroll in Eating Disorder Treatment for Teens Today at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery®
What is muscle dysmorphia? It’s a serious mental health condition that can erode a teen’s self-esteem and lead to dangerous steroid use. If you suspect your teen is exhibiting signs of MD or another body dysmorphic disorder, don’t wait to get help. The negative impact on your teen’s health can only get worse if the disorder isn’t treated.
The compassionate experts at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® are dedicated to helping adolescents improve their mental health. To learn more about muscle dysmorphia and the eating disorder treatments that can help, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® at 828.519.5047. Our online contact form is another convenient way to enroll and get started today.
