What is Vigorexia?
Vigorexia is a change in behavior that is one of the body dysmorphic disorders. This means that it is a disorder closely linked to a distorted image of the body itself. Some authors use the terminology Muscular Dysmorphic Disorder in the context of disorders obsessive-compulsive, others liken Vigorexia to Anorexia, in the sense that both would be narcissistic pathologies. There are also authors who pay attention to the absence of diagnostic criteria to validate these names.
In short, vigorexia is characterized by the distortion of the body's self-image focused on the issue of strength. Vigorexic individuals usually describe themselves as weak, small, even though they have developed above-average musculature. The result is that they end up developing a dependence on physical exercise and a kind of obsession with the muscular body, since they are never satisfied with the condition they are in, that is, they never feel strong enough or muscled.
The excessive concern with muscle mass comprises numerous significant behavioral changes in routine, such as: long periods in the gyms, lifting weights every time higher, use of compromising diets such as those in which some foods are prioritized (proteins, carbohydrates or lipids), the use of food supplements or even steroids anabolics.
What are the causes?
It is difficult to talk about causes for problems such as vigorexia, since there are countless influences acting in the configuration of the condition. Among these influences, we can cite the cultural production of rigid patterns of beautiful and healthy bodies, which exert significant pressure on the way people perceive themselves. In addition, this pressure ends up determining the inclusion or not of the subject in society and in the groups of interest, hindering the development of healthy self-esteem and sociality.
Dependence on physical exercise can be understood as addiction, as the practice of exercise increases the level of endorphins. This substance is responsible for the feeling of well being, therefore, it can cause a kind of chemical and emotional dependence on physical practice. Among the risk groups, some research indicates that vigorexia is more common in men, aged between eighteen and thirty-five years, and can also be observed in women.
Some types of physical activity seem to be related to the development of vigorexia, including bodybuilding, and it is very common for people to confuse this sport with the disorder. In the case of vigorexia, the practice of sports is linked to a psychological condition: the vigorexic performs its exercises to eliminate anxiety in the face of a weak body, thus, it is common that, on days when it is unable to exercise or when faced with some type of mass loss, the vigorexic person feels extremely guilty and failed.
How can Vigorexia be diagnosed?
There are no described criteria for the diagnosis of Vigorexia in current psychiatric manuals, thus, vigorexia is not yet an internationally classified disorder.
The indications that can be made for people close to any suspected vigorexic is that they pay attention to the degree of impairment this with the exercises, their descriptions regarding their own body and the body and behavior patterns with which they identify. It is important that the entire social circle is aware of these issues, not just family members, but teachers, coaches, gym colleagues, who need to be sensitized to these issues.
What are the treatments?
As the diagnosis is not yet formalized, the treatment ends up being the same used in other body dysmorphic disorders, such as anorexia. Furthermore, it is difficult for a vigorexic individual, like an anorexic person, to seek specialized help first. because he is not aware of his problem and second for fear that the treatment measures will distance him from the body that want. The most formal indication, in cases of vigorexics who make use of anabolic steroids, is that this use be immediately discontinued, avoiding even greater damage to health.
Psychological follow-up is always indicated and seeks to help the individual towards the recognition of the distorted patterns of body image with which he has been identified, in the recognition of the positive aspects of their physical appearance, encouraging healthier attitudes and coping with possible difficulties in relation to exposing the body as if finds.
Juliana Spinelli Ferrari
Brazil School Collaborator
Graduated in Psychology from UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista
Brief psychotherapy course by FUNDEB - Foundation for the Development of Bauru
Master's Student in School Psychology and Human Development at USP - University of São Paulo
