02/11/2026
'Bigorexia', or muscle dysmorphia, is becoming an insidious crisis for men and boys, and it’s fuelled by the the very platforms we scroll every day. This disorder isn’t just about wanting to be fit -- it’s a distorted obsession with muscle size, where even bodybuilders feel they’re never big enough. Experts warn it’s on the rise, especially among young males, driven by social media’s constant flood of curated, unrealistic bodies.
Social media and influencer culture are major culprits. Guys are bombarded with images of "perfect" physiques -- often achieved very expensively with professional trainers, chefs, dehydration tactics, and heavy editing. Filters, angles, and selective posting create illusions that impressionable minds mistake for reality.
The result? A toxic cycle of unfair comparison, body dissatisfaction, and extreme behaviours like obsessive exercise, restrictive eating, or even steroid use. Studies show nearly 1 in 4 adolescent boys engage in disordered eating to bulk up, and eating disorder hospitalizations among males are climbing.
From my own perspective as an adult content creator, this trend is especially alarming. I’ve interacted with many fans who unhealthily fixate on size -- mine or theirs. It’s like they’re reducing themselves and others to a single measurement, fetishizing dimensions while ignoring the whole person within them. This isn’t just about insecurity; it’s a symptom of a broader cultural problem where men are taught their value is tied to physical dominance or sexual prowess.
What’s driving this? A mix of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors: low self-esteem, perfectionism, bullying, and the relentless pressure to perform online. Social media amplifies it by rewarding hyper-masculine aesthetics with likes and followers, turning bodies into brands and self-worth into a ruthless numbers game.
So what can we do?
For parents, guardians and other family members:
Limit social media where possible, but more importantly, talk openly about what kids see. Context matters -- explain that influencers and celebrities often have vast resources and extreme routines that aren’t realistic or healthy for most people. Emphasize values beyond mere appearance: kindness, empathy, creativity, humour. Model a healthy relationship with your own body and challenge toxic messaging about "perfect" bodies.
For everyone else:
Call out the fixation on size as exactly what it is: shallow and harmful. Encourage men and boys to see themselves as whole people, not just measurements.
If you or someone you know shows signs -- obsessive exercise, rigid dieting, social withdrawal, or constant preoccupation with appearance -- take it seriously. Early help from professionals can prevent lifelong damage. Bigorexia thrives in silence and shame; the antidote is honest conversation and a reminder that real strength has nothing to do with how big you look.
Although it can affect anyone, this lesser-known disorder commonly affects boys and young men.
