Save your self from Body dysmorphia
Introduction
Body dysmorphia, or Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), is a psychological condition where an individual has a distorted view of their own body image, often obsessing over perceived flaws. This condition is particularly relevant to many people involved in bodybuilding and gym culture.
For many who engage in bodybuilding or frequent the gym, feelings of insecurity about their body can drive their motivation. While it’s common for people to seek self-improvement and attention through physical fitness, a significant number also grapple with underlying insecurities. This insecurity can be exacerbated by past experiences of body shaming or societal pressures to meet certain aesthetic standards.
It’s important to recognize that body dysmorphia is not just about physical appearance. Even individuals with well-developed bodies can struggle with these distorted perceptions. For some, the pursuit of an ideal physique becomes a way to cope with these internal struggles, but it does not necessarily resolve them. In some cases, this drive can lead to harmful behaviors, such as excessive steroid use, in an attempt to gain validation or improve self-esteem.
Understanding body dysmorphia is crucial because it highlights the need for a healthy approach to body image. No amount of muscle or physical transformation can fix underlying issues of self-worth or mental health. While having a fit and strong body is beneficial, it’s important to address the psychological aspects of self-esteem and body image. Focusing on mental well-being alongside physical fitness can help prevent the negative impacts of body dysmorphia and promote a healthier, more balanced approach to personal development.
Reason for it to exist
Understanding why people develop body dysmorphia is crucial, especially for those who start going to the gym with the intention of building a body to attract attention from the opposite gender or to boost their self-esteem. It’s perfectly normal to want to look good, wear nice clothes, and groom yourself. Building a body to feel more confident is not inherently problematic. However, issues arise when these activities become an obsession. When the focus on looking good and building muscle turns into an all-consuming pursuit, body dysmorphia can develop. This condition often manifests when someone becomes so fixated on their appearance that no amount of muscle seems to satisfy them. I’ve encountered many individuals who have sculpted impressive physiques yet remain dissatisfied with their reflection.
Balancing satisfaction and dissatisfaction is key. If you’re completely satisfied with your appearance, you might lose the drive to push yourself further. On the other hand, perpetual dissatisfaction could indicate the onset of body dysmorphia. It’s essential to stay grounded in reality and distinguish between healthy goals and harmful obsessions. Relying solely on your feelings without acknowledging the progress you’ve made can lead to body dysmorphia. This is why tracking your progress, no matter how small, is so important. Without measurable progress, you may underestimate your growth and, as a result, feel insecure about your muscle development.
Measuring your gains
Keeping track of your gains is crucial for feeling a sense of satisfaction with your progress. It’s important to acknowledge that while you may not have reached your ultimate goal yet, you’ve still made significant progress. This mindset can be a helpful way to combat body dysmorphia. Another common reason people develop body dysmorphia is the habit of constantly comparing themselves to others. When you set unrealistically high standards for what a good body should look like, it’s easy to feel insecure about your own appearance. In today’s world, the bar for a “good” physique has been raised even higher, largely due to the widespread use of steroids, which can distort our perception of what’s achievable naturally.
Vintage Era
In the 80s and 90s, when steroid use was minimal and mostly confined to professional bodybuilding, the standards for a good physique were quite different. A chiseled body with a body fat percentage around 12-14% was considered impressive and completely acceptable. However, with the widespread use of steroids in recent times, the expectations for what constitutes a “good” body have shifted dramatically. The standards have become much higher, and it’s important to recognize that what you see on platforms like Instagram may not be entirely real.
Many people use Photoshop, select the best lighting, and strike the most flattering poses to present an idealized version of themselves online. They often choose one photo out of dozens where they look their absolute best, and that’s the image they share with the world. This carefully curated portrayal can create unrealistic standards for others who view these images. It’s essential to remember that judging someone’s physique based on a single, perfected photo doesn’t give a true representation of their everyday appearance. The true standard of looking good can only be determined when someone is willing to show the reality—when they are open to sharing all the photos or videos they’ve taken, not just the best ones. Everyone wants to present their best self, which can lead to the perception that the standards for looking good are much higher than they actually are.
Social media influencers
When we look at individuals who use steroids, PEDs, or any anabolic substances that dramatically alter body composition, it becomes clear that the so-called fitness influencers on Instagram, YouTube, and other social platforms often display physiques that are beyond what’s naturally attainable. These “Greek God-like” bodies don’t even look human in their perfection, and that’s because such perfection is not possible without chemical enhancement. The standards of beauty have shifted drastically in today’s world, but these should not be considered normal or achievable for the average person.
One of the problems is that very few influencers openly admit to using steroids, even though many do. This creates an unrealistic standard for those who follow them, leading to constant comparison and dissatisfaction. It’s important to recognize that many of these influencers use steroids to achieve the attention-grabbing physiques they display, knowing that without these enhancements, they wouldn’t stand out as much. Idolizing these types of bodies and constantly comparing your progress to theirs is not only unrealistic but also damaging. No matter how much time you spend in the gym or how meticulously you prepare your diet, you won’t be able to achieve a physique that’s chemically enhanced. Understanding this can help you set more realistic goals for yourself and avoid the frustration that comes from chasing an unattainable ideal.
Having a solid understanding of fitness is crucial, especially in an era where many people blindly follow influencers without fully grasping what goes on behind the scenes. Those who aren’t aware of the steroid cycles that many influencers take and believe that these physiques are achieved naturally are more susceptible to developing body dysmorphia. This is because they don’t realize the extent to which chemical enhancement plays a role in creating those bodies.
I once had a friend who wasn’t into bodybuilding but believed that Arnold Schwarzenegger was natural when he was competing in Mr. Olympia. This misconception highlights how a lack of fitness knowledge can lead to unrealistic expectations. When people who are new to bodybuilding or fitness don’t research or study the realities of steroid use, they are at greater risk of developing body dysmorphia. They may constantly compare themselves to these enhanced physiques, unaware that what they see is not naturally attainable. Understanding that many of these impressive bodies have been developed with the help of steroids is key to maintaining a healthy perspective on your own fitness journey. Without this knowledge, the constant comparison to these unattainable standards can lead to frustration and a skewed self-image.
Knowing the reality
As for myself, I never compare myself to those with “Greek God-like” physiques because I understand that they use steroids. Knowing that such bodies are unattainable naturally brings me a sense of relief. I recognize that achieving that kind of physique would require harmful substances, and that’s not a path I’m willing to take. Because of this, I don’t desire those physiques, and I avoid comparing myself to them. Instead, if I do compare myself to others, I focus on those who are natural like me. Their physiques are more attainable and realistic, which helps me feel more satisfied with my own body.
Comparison itself isn’t inherently bad; in fact, it can be useful when done wisely. Comparing yourself to others who are on a similar journey can help you identify areas for improvement. However, constantly comparing yourself every minute of the day can be damaging and lead to issues like body dysmorphia. It’s crucial not to depend solely on your physique for self-esteem. While having a well-built body is beneficial and contributes to a strong first impression, it shouldn’t be your only source of confidence.
A well-rounded personality goes beyond physical appearance. Focusing on developing verbal skills, grooming, dressing well, and cultivating a positive attitude is equally important. I’ve encountered people who may not have the most muscular bodies but have warm, engaging personalities that draw others in. These individuals demonstrate that self-esteem shouldn’t rely solely on appearance. Building a body can be a part of self-improvement, but it should be just one aspect of a more comprehensive approach.
First impressions do matter—people often notice your physique before you even speak. However, once you start interacting, your personality, communication skills, and how you treat others become far more significant. Your body alone won’t define how people perceive you; it’s your overall personality that leaves a lasting impression. By working on all areas of self-improvement, including your communication, grooming, and demeanor, you’ll find that you’re less dependent on your body for self-esteem. This balanced approach can help mitigate the effects of body dysmorphia.
