BIGOREXIA – or reverse anorexia – among men is on the rise in the UK.

The body-image disorder is believed to affect one in 10 men who are training in gyms at the moment. We take a closer look at the condition.

What is bigorexia?

Bigorexia used to be known as muscle dysmorphia.

It is an anxiety-led body image disorder that causes someone to see themselves as small despite being big and muscular.

The condition is often described as reverse anorexia.

It is not known what causes the condition but some doctors claim it is either down to a genetic disorder or a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Who is most likely to suffer from it?

Research suggests one in ten men in UK gyms is currently suffering from the condition.

Doctors claim it has become a more common sight as there is increased pressure on men to look a certain way to feel successful, powerful and attractive.

The commonly perceived ideal shape is now a muscular silhouette with a V shaped body and a six pack.

According to the NHS, the condition is also more likely to develop in people who were teased, bullied or abused when they were young.

What are the signs of bigorexia?

Most men with bigorexia are weightlifters or bodybuilders.

However, this does not mean that most weightlifters are bigorexic.

Compared to normal weightlifters who reportedly spend up to 40 minutes a day thinking about body development.

In contrast, men with bigorexia report being preoccupied for five or more hours a day, with the main thought being that their bodies are under-developed.

Signs of bigorexia may include:

• Overexertion at the gym
• Working out compulsively
• Use of anabolic steroids
• Excessively looking at your body in the mirror
• Abuse of supplements and constant drinking of protein shakes
• Irritability and angry outbursts
• Depression and mania
• Panic if you miss your gym session
• Training while injured
• Prioritising working out over family and social life

Are men with bigorexia extroverts?

No, the opposite will be true in most cases.

Unlike many bodybuilders who enjoy the opportunity to show their physique in public, bigorexics typically do not.

Many will hide away for days at a time because of embarrassment about their body shape.

Typically, men with bigorexia have low self-esteem and generally have a poor sense of self along with feelings of emptiness.

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How is it treated?

Several treatments are available, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

A medication called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) can also be an option.

However if symptoms do not improve antidepressants such as clomipramine can be prescribed.

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