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As a non-gym-goer (although completely devoted to activities such as yoga or ballet), I never really understood this mania for muscles. Until I had a 20-year-old son who not only doesn't miss the gym but also has quite prominent muscles - too prominent for my liking, he assured me it wasn't and, after learning a little more about vigorexia, also known as muscle dysmorphic disorder or body dysmorphia, I put my mind at rest. Studies show that Generation Z has contributed to the growing demand for gyms. According to a manager at the Fitness Up chain, in an interview with Sapo, “Generation Z is the most prone to physical exercise and also the one that seeks out the most physical activity.” He also points out that “generation Z is more informed” and that “more people are becoming aware that it is necessary to exercise, not only to have a better quality of life, but also to be mobile and live with quality in the last years of life. The growth of social media and constant exposure to images of “perfect” bodies have contributed to pressure on people to achieve aesthetic standards that are often unrealistic. This pressure can trigger obsessive behaviors related to physical exercise and bodybuilding, making vigorexia more noticeable in gym and health club environments. It is a psychological disorder of the body dysmorphia subtype (such as anorexia), but in this specific case, it is an obsession with an athletic and muscular body, which leads the subject to physical, psychological, and financial dedication with the aim of increasing muscle mass. “This excessive practice is the result of a distorted self-image, which is also considered to fall into the category of obsessive-compulsive disorders,” says Carolina Nunes, a psychologist at CogniLab. The specialist asserts that the prevalence of vigorexia is higher in men, due to cultural pressures, often driven by the media and social networks, as well as the favorable environment of gyms, where men tend to opt more for muscular exercises. Women may suffer from vigorexia, but it is less common. Diagnosing this disorder is challenging but, professionals assure us, there are specific criteria and signs that can help identify it. The line between a person who cares about taking care of their body and someone who is obsessed with the idea of having a muscular body lies mainly in the intensity and nature of their behavior and thoughts. “A healthy person can have a regular exercise routine and follow a balanced diet aimed at general well-being and maintaining health. This person is able to balance other areas of their life, such as work, personal relationships and leisure, without the pursuit of the ideal body interfering in a negative way. They also have a realistic perception of their body and don't feel constant pressure to achieve unrealistic muscular standards,” notes Carolina Nunes. On the other hand, someone with vigorexia has an excessive and distorted preoccupation with the size and definition of their muscles, leading to compulsive and harmful behaviors. “This person spends hours in the gym, follows extremely restrictive diets, often uses anabolic substances and ends up neglecting other important areas of their life. In addition, their self-image is often distorted, with a perception that they are never muscular enough, regardless of actual progress. This obsession can cause stress, anxiety and physical and mental health problems, highlighting the difference between healthy body care and pathological obsession,” the psychologist maintains.

Inside the gym, explains the physiologist, the diagnosis involves a detailed assessment, where behavior and thought patterns related to physical exercise and the person's body image are observed. “The health professional tries to identify excessive concerns related to muscle size and definition, as well as compulsive behaviors such as the need to spend several hours exercising, the use of anabolic steroids and extremely restrictive diets. In addition to the assessment, specific questionnaires and scales are also used to evaluate the presence and intensity of these symptoms. These assessments also take into account the impact on the person's daily life, such as problems in interpersonal relationships, at work and other important areas of life.” A person suffering from vigorexia thus exhibits obsessive and compulsive behavior with work and muscle definition, spending many hours exercising and following extremely strict diets, often taking steroids and supplements compulsively, even knowing the health risks. In addition, she continues to have a distorted perception of her body, believing that she is never muscular enough, regardless of her actual progress. Hugo Pombo defines the profile of people with vigorexia as generally being individuals, predominantly young men - - in addition to what the psychologist had already mentioned - although now there are also many women with this obsession.“These are usually people who are heavily involved in activities such as weight training and bodybuilding,” says the physiologist.“The muscular exaggeration resulting from vigorexia can lead to a number of serious consequences for the body, such as various musculoskeletal injuries usually due to overtraining and extreme weights.Frequent use of anabolic substances can also cause complications and damage to the liver, hypertension, heart disease, and hormonal changes that can result in infertility and impotence.In addition, hormonal problems such as reduced natural testosterone production, severe acne, premature baldness, and electrolyte imbalances are also very common. 

These conditions can seriously compromise a person's physical and mental health.” The approach to cure depends, of course, on the level of severity, but the ideal, according to the psychologist, “will be an approach through cognitive-behavioral therapy, modifying distorted thoughts about body image, as well as techniques to help reduce behaviors related to exercise and diet. The involvement of the family can be positive in terms of providing greater support and understanding. In more serious cases, a psychiatric approach may be necessary, with the use of drugs that help to better manage obsessive-compulsive symptoms, as well as anxiety and depression.” Compared, for example, with anorexia - which although different is still an obsession with body image - vigorexia is a search for a muscular body and anorexia is for a thin body. Both share the characteristics of obsession with a perfect body, permanent dissatisfaction and high risks to physical and mental health. All that remains is to remember that there is no such thing as “perfect” and that balance is the basis of everything.

Translated from the original in the "Winners Never Quit" issue, published July 2024. Full stories and credits in the print version.