muscle dysmorphia

American  

[muhs-uhl dis-mawr-fee-uh] / ˈmʌs əl dɪsˌmɔr fi ə /

noun

1. a mental disorder primarily affecting males, characterized by obsessions about a perceived lack of muscularity, leading to compulsive exercising, use of anabolic steroids, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of muscle dysmorphia

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

Yet the increasing prevalence of muscle dysmorphia suggests it is having an effect on everyone.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2025

In one study Ganson published earlier this year, he estimated that 2.8% of boys and men in the U.S. and Canada could meet criteria for muscle dysmorphia.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2025

And a subset of those may develop eating disorders or muscle dysmorphia that can lead to significant psychological distress and physical health complications.

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2024

Dr. Nagata: For people who develop eating disorders or muscle dysmorphia, exercise can be taken to the extreme and can cause more worry and preoccupation than enjoyment.

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2024

A body-image disorder called muscle dysmorphia, nicknamed “bigorexia,” causes even large men to see themselves as too small and develop an irrational fear of losing muscle.

From Washington Post