Do you have Body Dysmorphia??
- Ish FIT
- Jul 31, 2023
- 2 min read
As I've continued on my path in the fitness industry, I've noticed the increase usage of the phrase "Body Dysmorphia"... There are many normal HEALTHY side effects caused by working out consistently such as posing and flexing in front of mirrors (you should see me in the bathroom mirror getting my Arnold poses on lol). Reaching your body goals is an amazing feeling which helps increase self confidence so it is completely normal to feel good about it. We also all tend to compare ourselves to others but a huge difference in recognizing systems of Body Dysmorphia is being content and confident with your body versus not feeling satisfied enough with your body because someone else's body looks "better" than yours. As they say, "Comparison is the thief of joy".
What is Body Dysmorphia -
Body Dysmorphia or BDD is defined as "a mental illness involving obsessive focus on a perceived flaw in appearance". Key words to note there are "obsessive" and "perceived flaw". A person who shows signs and symptoms of body dysmorphia is constantly negative about their body and can even exhibit suicidal thoughts due to the lack of reaching perceived body goals. Here are a few other symptoms that I found relating to body dysmorphia.
Constantly checking yourself in the mirror
Avoiding mirrors
Trying to hide your body part under a hat, scarf, or makeup
Constantly exercising or grooming
Constantly comparing yourself with others
Always asking other people whether you look OK
Not believing other people when they say you look fine
Avoiding social activities
Not going out of the house, especially in the daytime
Seeing many healthcare providers about your appearance
Having unnecessary plastic surgeries
Picking at your skin with fingers or tweezers
Feeling anxious, depressed, and ashamed
Thinking of suicide
Celebrities diagnosed with Body Dysmorphia -
Lili Reinhart
Billie Eilish
Robert Pattinson
Luther Vandross
Michael Jackson
Andy Warhol
Sylvia Plath
Ronnie Coleman
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