Bigorexia, although still little recognised, infiltrates our lives under the guise of the quest for performance and aesthetics. But behind this search for the ideal body lies a serious disorder with potentially serious health consequences. Here's what you need to know about it.
The term “bigorexia” is a neologism formed from two elements: “big”, which means “large” in English, and “orexis”, a Greek suffix meaning “appetite”. The expression can therefore be translated as “great appetite” or “thirst for greatness”, an insatiable thirst that refers to the obsession with developing ever greater muscle mass, at all costs.
Bigorexia is often defined as an addiction to sport, but more specifically to excessive physical practice aimed at increasing muscle mass.
Recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2011, bigorexia is characterised by an excessive dependence on physical exercise, generally with the aim of achieving bodily perfection. Unlike anorexia, which results in restriction, bigorexia is based on excesses: excesses of sport, diets, food supplements. Those affected constantly have the feeling of not achieving the ideal they have set for themselves.
This disorder affects both men and women, although it is often linked to the male environment, particularly among bodybuilding enthusiasts. The images of sculpted bodies that flood social networks only intensify this incessant quest for perfection.
The causes of bigorexia are varied, but they are often linked to a complex relationship with one's own body. This disorder is rooted in low self-esteem, a need for validation and the search for a feeling of power. The pressure of beauty standards, amplified by social networks, plays a key role in its development. The constant comparison with idealized physical models, the glorification of perfect bodies and the quest for performance can turn a healthy sports practice into a real addiction.
This phenomenon is also linked to the Adonis complex, an obsession with physical perfection, especially in men, who try to compensate for insecurities by developing excessive muscle mass.
Social media has clearly intensified the propagation of the perfect body ideal. On Instagram , TikTok and YouTube , photos and videos of physical transformations, fitness and muscular bodies are ubiquitous and give the illusion that physical perfection is not only desirable, but attainable. The rise of “fitness influencers” and online bodybuilders reinforces this constant pressure.
In a society where appearance and social status are omnipresent, the body becomes a real showcase. The cult of image, fueled by platforms like Instagram, feeds this obsessive quest for perfection, often blurring the line between a balanced lifestyle and pathological behavior.
Recognizing the signs of bigorexia is essential to start taking care of yourself. If you are constantly dissatisfied with your physique, if you ignore fatigue or pain to continue training, or if gaining muscle mass becomes an obsession to the detriment of your well-being , it is crucial to seek help. A psychologist or specialized nutritionist can help you rebalance your approach to sport and restore a healthy relationship with your body.
It’s also important to break free from the unrealistic standards that social media promotes. Celebrities and athletes often share photoshopped images or transformations that mask years of intense effort, sacrifice, and sometimes dangerous practices. To keep a realistic perspective, it’s essential not to compare your journey to that of these unattainable models. The best thing to do is to focus on your own well-being.
The physical risks of bigorexia are numerous and severe. Excessive training can cause extreme exhaustion, muscle injuries (stress fractures, tears), tendonitis, and premature wear of the joints. In addition, the abuse of anabolic steroids (substances that accelerate muscle mass gain) can lead to dramatic consequences: heart problems, hormonal imbalances, and sometimes even psychological problems such as anxiety or depression .
Psychologically, bigorexia can lead to isolation, low self-esteem, and obsession with unattainable role models, leading to emotional exhaustion and feelings of inner emptiness.
Bigorexia is more than just a physical problem; it is primarily a mental condition. While exercise can be a great way to improve health and well-being, it should never become an obsession.
The key is balance: taking care of your body without going overboard, practicing sport without being trapped by unattainable standards.
Protecting yourself from bigorexia also involves accepting your body as it is. Physical perfection does not exist, each body is unique. It is better to focus on overall well-being, rather than pursuing an often unrealistic ideal, in order to preserve your mental and physical health.
[via GQ France]
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