Does Size Really Matter? : Addressing the growing case of the male body image disorder, “Bigorexia”

By Dan Teano
Lifestyle Editor

When the term “body image disorder” is mentioned, an image of a woman looking worriedly at the bathroom mirror typically comes to mind. While women struggle with accepting their appearance, men are not exempt from this phenomenon derived from mass media’s marketing ploys. From model Instagram accounts to pop culture fitness magazines, both men and women are bombarded with unattainable beauty

Mr. Universe
MSgt Troy Saunders (middle) and SrA Justin Usery (far left) are amongst members of the American Team who competed in the Mr. Universe competition. All of the American competitors placed in the top-15 of their classes. Saunders and Usery are both assigned to Spangdahlem Air Base. (Courtesy photo)

standards. Unknowingly, when they subscribe to these ideas, they place themselves on a never ending journey of self-approval.
Although we are all targets of twisted marketing strategies, companies target the social perceptions of manhood that mask the deep-seated insecurities of males. Since the beginning of time, masculinity has been equated with physical strength. Thus, when a male sees a scrawny reflection in the mirror, he sees a submissive, feeble, and inadequate figure. Rather than questioning the outdated norms, he surrenders himself to weigh lifting, stressing himself for a chance to be considered manly. While women eat less and less to look skinny, men tear their muscles more and more to look bigger. The Mr. Universe physique has been idolized, perpetuating the insecurities of adolescent men. Diagnosed with what’s commonly known as “Bigorexia,” an increasing number of male teenagers have an insatiable desire to gain muscle. Of course, at the end of this long haul, they expect to receive the well-deserved prize of masculinity— infinite sexual attraction. With their minds hooked on pre-workout energy supplements, they are conditioned to believe their pumped bicep peaks will make them sexually irresistible.
Ironically, beefing up their protein intake and shredding their muscles may have the opposite effect. Obsessed with their gains, they prioritize muscle building over intelligence, or any other aspect women commonly find attractive. Whether they realize it or not, physique is something more critically judged by other men. This is best illustrated by a quick Google search. If one Googles “male features women find attractive,” one will see a surprising discrepancy: websites created by men will list physical characteristics such as height, facial hair, and physique; however, websites created by women usually rank qualities such as thoughtfulness, creativity, and a sense of humor without ever mentioning bodily appearance. Even though “bigorexic” males invest hours under the barbell, spend unreasonable amounts on protein powder, and study their image incessantly, they actually further divert themselves from their end goal.
While athletes lift for strength, power, and explosiveness, the rest of the lifting population performs bench presses for purely aesthetic purposes. Yes, it is natural to want to look bigger, but just as athletes follow a strict regimen to ensure their performance isn’t hindered, average guys need to make sure that their workout routine does not bloom into an obsession.
Since the problem lies deep within the male psyche, curing “bigorexia” must address the mental paradigms constructed by society. In order to ensure that we buy protein supplements, workout routines, and fad diets, men are brainwashed into hating themselves. The healing process begins with immense emotional and mental courage to unconditionally love the man in the mirror. When someone cultivates self-love, he rids himself of society’s expectations, and is capable of pursuing fitness in a healthy way. If you find yourself obsessing over your body image, there are countless resources to help you. Here at WAC, there are therapists in the Health Services center that promise confidentiality. Ultimately, when you learn to love yourself, you will nourish your body properly, and gain true confidence- a characteristic that can never be too big.

 

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