A study the University of Toronto suggests growing numbers young people are becoming obsessed the size of their muscles. This obsession is a mental health condition called muscle dysmorphia, also known as "bigorexia". Kara Becker, a certified eating disorder therapist, spoke to the HuffPost website the affliction. She said: "Bigorexia is a psychological condition…which involves a distorted self-image that focuses specifically muscle size and physical appearance." Sufferers can experience extreme distress their perceived lack muscularity. Bigorexia can afflict even those who work regularly and have the physique a bodybuilder.
Researchers said muscle dysmorphia was rising teenagers and people their twenties. The study stated that to a quarter men and 10 per cent of women in their research could suffer bigorexia. Ms Becker said a variety of factors can cause young people to worry their body shape. She said: "People low self-esteem, perfectionism, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies are more vulnerable to developing this disorder." Social media may be a factor exacerbating the problem. Youngsters can be overwhelmed images of people the "perfect" body. Another cause may be the aggressive marketing muscle-building supplements and anabolic steroids.
