What is?
Vigorexia is not strictly an eating disorder. But it does share the pathology of the obsessive preoccupation with figure and one body schema distortion. It is more frequent in men between 18 and 35 years old.
This pathology implies the opposite effect than the anorexy. Therefore, it is also called reverse anorexiain addition to muscle dysmorphia.
Vigorexia is therefore a type of body dysmorphic disorder that is related to the obsessive compulsive disorder. And that implies that the person becomes obsessed with her imperfections, which makes her perceive a distorted image of herself.
These types of conditions have a negative impact on the patient’s personal relationships and their mental and physical health.
the vigorexia: Causes
There are no exactly defined causes. But there are many cases in which the trigger is other psychological disorders. Such as having a compulsive personality or suffering from another eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
Having suffered bullying at school is noted as a risk factor.
the vigorexia: Symptoms
– He has an excessive concern for his own body, what he wears. For example, to be daily analyzing the weight, the state of the muscles and the amount of fat.
– Being overly dependent on physical exercise.
– They have a totally distorted image of their own body.
– Being obsessed with diet. It comes to affect social relations since it is possible to avoid eating outside the home.
– Be willing to make any sacrifice to physically enhance the body.
– Low selfsteem.
– Tendency to look in the mirror frequently.
– Feeling of fatigue.
Isolation
The large amount of time that the vigoréxico devotes to exercise (doing it or thinking about doing it). He hinders his social adaptation by isolating himself from his circle of friends, work, academics and even family and his partner. The person with vigorexia feels increasingly alone and it is not uncommon for symptoms of depression to appear.
injuries
Training overload ends up damaging muscles, bones and joints, sometimes irreversibly. The body is forced due to the intensity of the exercise performed. And, therefore, the chances of suffering an injury increase.
Hence the importance of training correctly. To avoid discomfort, tears, overloads. Dislocations, breaks and sprains.
In the event of an injury, it is best to rest or see a doctor or physiotherapist. Many people with vigorexia do not do it for fear of being prohibited from continuing to train and continue to do so despite the pain.
They believe that an ankle brace or other type of bandage protects them. Which is not a good idea, since in the end the discomfort worsens or becomes chronic.
chronic fatigue
Excessive exercise often leads to fatigue. Since you train beyond the forces of the body until exhaustion.
Poor work or academic performance
Frequently, the obsession with muscle and the prolonged stay in the gym go hand in hand with a non-existent social life. As well as poor work or academic performance.
long-term health problems
People with vigorexia usually suffer small chronic lesions in localized areas. Like the spine, shoulders, elbows. Knees, ankles or hips.
This physical wear is similar to that of elite athletes. They have dedicated a large part of their lives to high-performance competitions.
the vigorexia: Impact
the vigorexia mostly affects men. Although it can also occur in women. The practice of moderate sport is very healthy for our body
However, those affected by vigorexia show excessive concern for their physical appearance. That means that bodybuilding through physical activity goes from being a healthy goal to a emotional disorder elevated to the category of obsession.
This urge to acquire an athletic appearance at all costs can lead to harmful substance use for the organism. The consequences of this disorder have their reflection on health Y in social behavior of those who suffer from it.
Dependence on physical exercise
It could be said that whoever suffers from vigorexia is a person dissatisfied with their own body. That she looks too thin and seeks to acquire the desired volume with exercise.
In addition to the excessive practice of exercise, this alteration gives rise (due to a series of reactions that occur in our body in which hormones and neurotransmitters are involved). To a process of dependence on physical exercise.
the vigorexia:Diagnosis
The doctor will order a complete psychological examination. To check if the patient has vigorexia and what level of the disease they present.
the vigorexia: Treatment
The fundamental objective of the treatment is to change the mistaken perception that the patient has of his body.
- The treatment is similar to that used to combat any addiction. And the intervention of the doctor is needed, accompanied by physiotherapists, psychologists and nutritionists.
- Broaden the horizon of interests, making him discover other equally rewarding activities. And reduce the number of hours dedicated to the practice of exercise substituting them for other activities of your liking.
- Improve relationships with other people. So that they feel included in society again and acquire new habits and hobbies.
In some cases, the vigoréxico disorder is so severe that it may be necessary to resort to drugs.
Prevention
The main guidelines to prevent vigorexia involve the following recommendations:
- When carrying out an exercise program, it is necessary that they are supervised by a professional trainer.
- It is advisable to perform physical examinations that determine the state of health, in addition to the individual needs and abilities to adapt the exercises to perform.
- Specialists recommend establishing exercises that suit the physical level of the person, avoiding activities that require unnecessary overexertion.
- It is important to stop the exercise as soon as it occurs fatiguefatigue or Muscle pain excessive.
It is necessary for the person to avoid negative thoughts about their physical state, since they can become an obsession.