Muscle dysmorphia: a new syndrome in weightlifters

Recently more men have reported a desire for larger, more muscular bodies. Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a new syndrome in which individuals (usually men), although highly muscular, have a pathological belief that they are of very small musculature. As more men are motivated to take up training with wei...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of sports medicine 2002-10, Vol.36 (5), p.375-376
Main Authors: Choi, P Y L, Pope, H G, Olivardia, R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavior
Body Constitution
Body Image
Body Mass Index
Case-Control Studies
Epidemiology
Exercise
Humans
Male
MBSRQ
men
Mens health
multidimensional body-self relations questionnaire
muscle dysmorphia
Muscle, Skeletal
musculature
Perceptions
Personal appearance
Physical fitness
Self image
Short Report
Somatoform Disorders - diagnosis
Somatoform Disorders - psychology
Studies
Surveys and Questionnaires
Syndrome
Weight Lifting - psychology
Weightlifting
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Summary:Recently more men have reported a desire for larger, more muscular bodies. Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a new syndrome in which individuals (usually men), although highly muscular, have a pathological belief that they are of very small musculature. As more men are motivated to take up training with weights in order to develop greater musculature, more cases of MD are likely to be encountered. A greater understanding and awareness of the syndrome are therefore needed. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate perceptions of physical self in male weightlifters, one group with MD (n = 24) and one without (n = 30). Between group comparisons were made using the multidimensional body-self relations questionnaire. The findings confirm the nature of the disorder in that those with MD syndrome have poorer body image and are less happy with their bodies. Moreover, in addition to a desire for greater muscularity, they are very concerned not to gain fat. The results also suggest that future research into perceptions of specific body parts and health is warranted.
ISSN:0306-3674
1473-0480
DOI:10.1136/bjsm.36.5.375