There has been talk in the news lately
about a problem sometimes known as ‘bigorexia’. Lou Wilkins works at The Health
Shop, which sees people affected by the condition using the specialist steroid
service. We caught up with Lou to find out more.
What is ‘bigorexia’?
‘Bigorexia’
is a type of body dysmorphia, also sometimes called ‘reverse anorexia’. It’s
when people – usually men – have a distorted view of their body and think that
they don’t look big enough. They may go to extreme and potentially dangerous
lengths to get the muscular body they desire.
Despite the
dangers, some people use steroids to change their body size. Our specialist
steroid service at The Health
Shop works with people to make sure they are doing so as safely as
possible.
Why would someone risk their health to
look bigger?
We see people
who aren’t happy with the way they look. They say they feel much more confident
when they are bigger and get more compliments from people. And once people
start using steroids, many feel like they can’t stop.
There are
also people who can’t stop because they’ve not reached their goal weight. We
see some people in our service who keep shifting the weight goal - a bit like
people with anorexia. First they want to be 14 stone, then on the next visit 15
stone, and so on. However big they become, it’s never enough.
People who
are affected feel depressed and anxious about their bodies, and panicky if they
haven’t pushed themselves hard enough in the gym. This can increase their
reliance on large amounts of steroids and other performance or image enhancing
drugs.
What are the dangers?
People’s
bodies need time to rest and recover. Natural hormone levels can be permanently
affected when people use steroids continuously.
Other dangers
include development of breast tissue and problems with the cardiovascular
system, fertility and sexual performance.
Body
dysmorphia can also affect relationships and other areas of people’s lives,
because it can take over and become all someone cares about.
How can I spot if someone is affected?
There are
several warning signs that someone might be developing body dysmorphia:
- losing relationships because of excessive gym attendance
- anxiety about missed gym visits/not training hard enough
- continuing to train despite injury
- overly critical of their appearance
- changing their goal weight
- using steroids continually despite unwanted side effects
Where can I get help?
If you are
affected by the above or know someone who needs further information, advise
them to contact our Body Shop at The Health Shop, where they can get support
and advice.
0115 9475414
If you suffer
from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, our Let’s
Talk-Wellbeing service offers psychological assessment and treatment.
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