Vigorexia, also known as Adonis Syndrome or Muscular Dysmorphic Disorder, is a psychological disease characterized by constant dissatisfaction with the body, in which the person sees himself very thin and weak when in fact he is strong and has well-developed muscles, for example.
This disorder is more common in men between 18 and 35 years old and leads to exhaustive physical exercise, always with increased load, in addition to excessive concern with food and use of anabolic steroids, which can bring health risks.
Symptoms of Vigorexia
The symptom most associated with vigorexia is dissatisfaction with the body itself. The person, despite being in shape, sees himself very weak and thin, considering his body inadequate. Other symptoms of vigorexia are:
- Persistent muscle pain throughout the body; Extreme tiredness; Irritability; Depression; Anorexia / Very restrictive diet, Insomnia; Increased heart rate at rest; Lower performance during intimate contact; Feeling of inferiority.
Normally vigorics adopt a very restrictive diet and do not consume fats, the diet being strictly aimed at the consumption of foods rich in proteins, with the objective of increasing muscle mass. It is also common to overuse anabolic steroids and protein supplements, in addition to spending hours at the gym, always increasing the exercise load.
People with vigorexia are always dissatisfied with the results, always seeing themselves as very thin and weak, despite being very strong and having very well defined and developed muscles. For this reason, vigorexia is considered a type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and needs treatment.
Consequences of vigorexia
Over time, vigorexia leads to several consequences, mainly related to the frequent and continuous use of anabolic steroid hormones and protein food supplements, such as kidney or liver failure, circulation problems, anxiety and depression, in addition to prostate cancer and decreased of the testicle, which can interfere with male fertility.
Main causes
Vigorexia is a psychological disorder whose occurrence is believed to be due to some alteration related to central nervous system neurotransmitters, as some cases of reported vigorexia have been preceded by diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis.
In addition to the neurological cause, vigorexia is also associated with the adoption, by many people, of a body pattern and, for this reason, they end up becoming obsessed with exercise and food in order to reach the body they deem ideal. Excessive concern with healthy eating, known as orthorexia, is also a psychological disorder and is characterized by a little varied diet due to excessive concern with the purity of food and the non-consumption of foods of animal origin. Learn how to identify orthorexia.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of vigorexia is done through a multidisciplinary team, such as a doctor, psychologist, nutritionist and physical education professionals, for example. Psychotherapy is extremely important in the treatment of vigorexia, as it aims to allow the person to accept himself as he is and increase his self-esteem.
It is also indicated to suspend the use of anabolics and protein supplements and to have a balanced diet guided by a nutritionist. In addition, it may be recommended to take serotonin-based drugs in order to control depression and anxiety in addition to other symptoms related to obsessive compulsive behavior. Understand what serotonin is and what it is for.
The practice of physical exercise must not be interrupted, however, it must be done under the guidance of a physical education professional.
