Muscle dysmorphia awareness on the rise as men struggle with 'strong' body image | Nightline

Experts say 2 to 3% of the general population suffer from a type of body dysmorphic disorder in which one perceives their body shape in a way that doesn’t line up with how they might actually look.
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[@nickkoryukin4949]

When I started to hit the gym last year and became really serious about muscle, I started to feel this

[@Abcdefg-fl9td]

Uh huh sure you did

[@DarthTalon66]

@@Abcdefg-fl9tdbased on the 72 troll comments on this channel, I can tell you’re built like a croc pot.

[@chadr2604]

I would like to know if poor vision could make it worse. I don't think it is purely psychological I have it and honest to God I can not judge where my body ends. I have big bruises from running into things.

[@emmettyoung7603]

i got fat last year after a knee injury and i’ve got muscle mass and less body fat, but i still feel awful about myself. my arms are too small, my chest isn’t big enough and my stomach is too big. i try to be aware of it, but it’s still tough

[@lauralorimer433]

​@Abcdefg-fl9td what do you know keep your negativity to yourself

[@teedot1186]

I literally just said my chest is getting bigger but my arms are falling behind. This is a real thing.

[@chuckieWalsh]

Sounds like you need a dedicated arm day

[@dtnuh]

This is a real thing and I'm glad it's being addressed!

[@endor8witch]

cause men suffers. for decades women have but it was dismissed a lot. you know how it is when men suffers lol

[@dtnuh]

@@endor8witch I do, I struggled myself!

[@grizzlemc1662]

Jesus loves you and He cares.

[@wb2605]

I think the focus should be on the obese epidemic in this country instead of all this body positivity bs

[@dtnuh]

@@wb2605 Good on you

[@mr.winkie]

Low self-esteem/hatred is at the core. Not feeling good enough. The gym is a coping mechanism. Body dysmorphia is the result of self abuse.

[@mikeleeFILMS]

body dysmorphia is the result of toxic culture. men are never “manly enough”

[@victorvaldez760]

Gym is a cope when you are born with poor genetics and in the wrong race

[@Alexlinnk]

Buy nobody cares about men anyway

[@TheMikeguy7776]

It’s a healthy alternative to lots of other things

[@mr.winkie]

@@TheMikeguy7776 agreed.

[@Will-no6te]

At first I thought I had this, but as I kept hitting the gym I actually loved that I lost fat and gained muscle. Now I really love my physique, and I'm genuinely proud of what I accomplished.

[@GG-mn9ls]

i was once in a similar trap and here’s what i learned… the world will think of you what it will. it’s none of your business.. get in touch with what you want. not what you imagine others want from you. you’ll eventually find people with the same values as you. i meet more women than i ever did when i was more muscular just by knowing who i am and being comfortable w it

[@derivative7117]

I don't have muscle dysmorphia, I have fat dysmorphia. My genetics dictate that if I don't take care of myself, I will look like an 8 month pregnant man just like my dad and my uncles. I DO NOT like this. That's why I workout everyday, eat whole foods, & quit eating refined sugar and grains. Having extra muscle is nice. Feeling strong is AWESOME, but to me it's more about the excess bodyfat.

[@mattsalvatore3193]

Same here brother. Decent genetics for lower body, back & triceps. Chest, biceps & shoulders just arent a thing in my family lol. Never had a problem gaining weight, but cutting down leaves me feeling tired, hungry & prone to frequent sickness. Following a carnivore diet has really helped to stay lean without starving myself, but I really wish I had those "skinny" genetics.

[@AmandaFromWisconsin]

"My genetics dictate that if I don't take care of myself, I will look like an 8 month pregnant man". We call that the "Milwaukee tumor" here in Wisconsin.

[@lj5190]

Yeah, everyone who eats poorly and doesn't exercise gets fat. That's normal.

[@void7837]

And im here Eating myself to death Just to gain 17kg in a year, 7 of which i lost in 2 months

[@peterjackbenson]

Who cares if you look pregnant? That's not a bad thing. That's the issue.

[@BathSaltBadger]

see the problem is you'll never be as big as your pump

[@Mountain_Ran]

Broscience!

[@mari-wp5nn]

I’ m so happy that men are speaking freely . I’m a woman and I think that just like women should find the freedom of loving themselves men also have these right no matter what .

[@TheSaltySpitoon69]

If finding freedom in loving myself means I’ll be hideous and 300 pounds like these “body positivity” girls I think I’d rather deal with muscle dysmorphia

[@raoulhayes196]

Thank you for saying that

[@BarrettBiggers]

When overweight people call you skinny and smirk and seem to think they are "complimenting" you because everyone is trying to LOSE weight but you are trying to gain weight...What they fail to talk about is how genetics can be a major roadblock and contribute to over worrying about appearances. Some men are just born with extremely thin builds (ectomorphs) and very long frames and struggle to gain noticeable muscle mass (despite being strong and working out all the time) and that really makes it more likely to be feeling like all the other men are bigger than you. Even if being thin is actually your "healthy weight" sadly our society makes you feel it doesn't matter it's all about how muscular you look in order to get looks, respect and validation. Plus most people are literally larger than they used to be (either overweight or jacked). It's not easy to be a tall slender or thin man today.

[@mickylawless1941]

This is me. Since I've been a little boy, I've always felt less than. I'm a 64yo man, I am 5'8" and I weigh 185lbs . I have a 30-32 inch waist. But I only see myself as being fat skinny. I lift weights and I do a fair bit of cardio, plus I rock climb indoors and outdoors. I ride my bike and hike up in the mountains regularly. Plus I telemark ski and x-c ski. So I am fit and strong, but still, I struggle with my body image. I try to be sensitive and aware of those around me who may be dealing with their own body image issues. Instead of complaining about my body image, I try to be supportive to those around me. I did share with a female friend that I had body dysmorphia and she had the gall to say that men can't experience that. This video is validating. Thank you.

[@bitw434]

This looks like an SNL skit lmao

[@badbabybear1]

I've struggled with this before and have slowly grown to accept my body as it is (I'm in shape but skinny). Glad this is getting more awareness.

[@NoodleBoy26]

I was bullied in school as a kid. The other kids would come up to me and put their hands around my wrists or calf and make fun on how thin I was. Then I started lifting weights at 13 with just one 5kg dumbbell, did 50 situps a day, and told myself if I skipped any of these I'd double up on the next day and so on. I believe this isn't where my determination or motivation started. I believe this is where my body dysmorphia was created. Fast forward 15yrs and I can't stop criticizing myself.

[@rajeevdsamuel]

Even after hitting 210lbs I still think I'm skinny.🤣🤣🤣

[@blizzyblaze97]

Bro body dysmorphia is definitely REAL

[@bloodywolf5888]

Yup

[@noahtenshen]

"...that progression has to be the foundation of happiness." That means if you find yourself unable to progressively get stronger for a plethora of reasons, your foundation for and ability to obtain happiness is gone. How sad. This is a set up for future depression because try as you might, it will not last forever. Happiness should not be tied to strength or image. Being alive is a great foundation for happiness. The rest is gravy on the ride and you don't stop eating because you have less gravy.

[@pdruiz2005]

Yeah, I picked up on that too. He literally contradicted one of the Buddha's prescriptions for happiness--get off the hedonic treadmill. In other words, get off the idea of progression as the basis of happiness. Happiness is found in stillness, in seeing the beauty around you and in the smallest things in nature. In the here and now. Not in progressions that make you obsess about the future.

[@WilliamPayneNZ]

This is the part of gym training I can’t relate to. I have been seriously training since January and am at the gym 4 days a week. I couldn’t care less what anyone else thinks. I train to be the best I can be and to push myself. Training for me is control. Nobody is in my way. Nobody is holding me back. All success or failure is on me and I love that.

[@Juggernaut-fg2up]

100% the same thing I've always said unlike team sports it's all on you both in failure and victory. Welcome to the lifestyle, I think I started training seriously in September 1994. Training has improved my life and saved my life many times, it's my hobby, therapist and best friend. It also allowed me to pay my bills for 30 years

[@darkcadence938]

I have body dysmorphia and its pure hell, you even hallucinate and see you're face deformed..

[@txbre8758]

I work out and bodybuild, I have been trying to sound the alarm on the rising prevalence of eating disorders and excessive working out in teenage boys and men whom are my age. Its not just women. The teenage boys are the ones I’m more concerned about. I see it in the gym. It scares me because they are destroying themselves at as young as 13.

[@DeanLion-pi7bj]

Every normal man loves, wants, needs to have a normal strong male body! Body builders are sick if you ask me, that's not a normal body! But strong toned muscles, normally built people are healthy and attractive to women, which is one of the main reasons why us normal men feel confident! Being overweight is unfortunately a big problem for your health and you are simply unattractive! I'm also looking at female models today, most of them are anorexic! There is no normal golden mean, you are either extremely fat or extremely thin!

[@txbre8758]

@@DeanLion-pi7bj That’s a very good analysis. I have a lot more weight to lose (I’m down 35 pounds) but what I’ve seen can be sickening.

[@DeanLion-pi7bj]

@@txbre8758 How old you, Weight,tall?

[@DeanLion-pi7bj]

@@txbre8758 Copy for you what I wrote on different video about losing fat! " From my experience, you can exercise every day for hours, you can walk a million miles, you won't lose weight if you eat a lot! No, it's not important what you eat, but how much you eat, so the most important thing is the portion! If you have a normal portion, then together with exercise you will lose fat and weight! So eat five or six times a day, but not a lot! Eat one piece of pizza, not three! Eat one banana, not three! one big scoop of ice cream, not a full plate, etc.."

[@SpinDoc420]

@@DeanLion-pi7bj for you, perhaps, this is true.. but i didn't get rid of the extra lbs from my youth until i hit my 40's and the job changed the metabolism and the pounds melted and yes, it has been awesome... but the exta pounds NEVER got in the way to some amazing women in my life, most being someone you apparently think are turned off but a few extra pounds...perhaps you havent experienced enough to have a more accurate look on it or it may be the circles you choose... again, not meant as an attack, but i do think you are wrong...

[@bent8260]

Thank you so much for such a wonderful, informative and enlightening video!

[@esoteric3242]

Nothing the msm tells us is true!

[@josuefbonilla1197]

This is very nice to see and view on this awareness.

[@CogitoErgoSum2024]

Cause everyone and their dog is on drugs or “trt”, and it isn’t an even playing field. It’s sad

[@MFonEarth]

Can confirm. One of the guy in my circle hopped on gear and boom 3/4 of us is gearing up after seeing his results

[@bfreemusic5545]

I started working out a long time before body dysmorphia was even a thing....and 17 years later i still work out. Not because im vain and want to be big but because it helps with my mental health and being that im insomniac it helps me sleep at night. Now im 16st + (103kg) of solid natural muscle but go through stages of feeling fat or even to skinny at times, whilst everybody around me says i look great🤷🏽‍♂️body dysmorphia is definitely real but it wont drive me to an unhealthy way of living (steroids, sarms) Its the younger generation that suffer the most now being that everybody on social media is jacked, but what the younger generation don't realise is none of them are natural!!! Everybody wants to look like sam sulek (juiced up) these days but doesn't want to put the hard work in for 20 years naturally to develop that look, they would rather do a few cycles of steroids and gain it in 1 year unaware of the consequences🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Duxelles84]

Straight Facts.

[@xdproductions3087]

No one is getting to look like Sam Sulek without steroids.

[@CreeceMarquis]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 This is so real!!! Sometimes it takes me 30 minutes to get ready because the smallest hint of fat on my stomach makes me feel anxious. Sometimes I turn down hanging with friends... even being a certified personal trainer doesn't help.

[@NebosvodGonzalez]

Me being more scrawny than a stick bug is thinking yeah I don't think I have a mental problem I think I'm just weak. Lol.

[@foreva_89]

I think it's just extremely low self esteem. I've been a skinny lanky dude all my life.

[@andythenpc]

I feel me and MyCock share similar issues.

[@baronmeduse]

He could have just changed his name by deed poll.

[@Booster85]

Comparison is the thief of joy

[@josephrocha142]

Enjoy your young, healthy body no matter what. It's a gift! In an instant it can be taken from you. Be greatful for today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

[@mikebarnes1239]

Thank you for talking about this! I didn't realise until I asked a personal trainer why he avoided the mirrors all the time. He said because he saw himself as this fat/skinny nerd and hated looking at himself. Yet, he looks like a Greek God

[@bloodywolf5888]

Damn

[@Turtleface869]

You don’t look in the mirror more than 10 seconds or the stress of years of work will kill your gains. I don’t think I’m dysmorphic but I shame myself to motivate. The benefits are more than looks. Every month I get more of my life back. Today I realized my voice started sounding the same as it did when I was 19 / 20. My task processing speed has increased. I’ve come a long way. I play basketball with young men and they are faster but I keep up and still put up my fair share of points. I’d rather have a healthy body than a nice car. When rent went sky high I sold my Audi and went back to my beater car so I don’t have to buy cheaper food. When it becomes a problem is when the success rate starts accelerating and you end up pushing too hard and getting severely fatigued. You have to learn to contain your energy. More powerful emotions are the biggest reward so I like practicing reading people and studying behavior particularly romance. I refuse to date. I don’t have non productive hobbies and I really enjoy it. Love to love but I’m staying single because honestly I give up too much time in relationships. It’s not just my physique I’m taking masters level courses. The point is I need the negativity to keep going. It’s a sad fact of reality that being impressive pays you back more than your inherent value.

[@ladybird491]

I am a female and going through this. I was always super fit in my 30s and longer and now in my 40s i am kinda going through it with the body one

[@garrettq1977]

This is just as serious as an eating disorder. Not recognized, however, because the end goal is healthy. It is an addiction that can consume time and destroy a person's personality. It adds stress to their life and surrounds them with people that enable and enforce their addiction. A socially accepted form of exhibitionism can be formed, which can do further damage to their personality.

[@1impetuousfiend]

I would argue a lot of these men have eating disorders. I've seen how some guys at work eat, and all I can think is "why does that home prep meal look like something an anorexic 16 year old girl trying to stay thin would eat".

[@tmascrown2815]

This really makes me feel validated and seen. Allot of people really don’t understand how mentally distressing and damaging this condition is. People see you and down play your feelings and what you’re going though because you look great in their eyes. I have been working through this for years. I’m in a much better space than when I started but I still have some work to do.

[@acebasher1st360]

2-3% is a vast understatement

[@nithinravi4401]

💯

[@kylenelson3128]

I have the opposite of muscle dysmorphia. I see myself a lot more in shape than I actually am and my wife reminds me of this all the time

[@Jj-mu6hg]

Nope this ain’t changing me I’m hitting the gym harder tomorrow 🤣🤣🤣

[@matineyang]

2-3% of the general population vs 40% of the adult US population being obese? Yeah muscle dismorphia doesn’t seem to be as much of a crisis.

[@tlamelokgosimalebe3119]

The word obese comes from the World health organization..it was created in order to market anabolical substancea or steroids and weight loss products The companies selling the latter is a billionaire franchise. The world health organization also has some ties to companies that also sell junk foods.

[@ResistanceQuest]

2% of 330,000,000 people is 6,600,000 people. So, like, maybe it does matter?

[@winteru4159]

The grind never stops!!!! 🔥🔥

[@stevezelaznik5872]

The dilemma is that romantic prospects treat toned and fit people way better than weak, fat, and flabby folks. It’s not dysmorphia if you’re noticing a real change in how other people treat you. With anybody this thing can become an obsession.

[@Informant_is_back]

7:10 His thinking the brain is a muscle is a metaphor in itself.

[@ResistanceQuest]

When he mentioned the tongue, I thew up a little

[@eugenyyy3053]

I went to the gym and started running. Got shredded. Not as extreme as some of the fitness influencers, but good enough. Feeling amazing. Most people will feel much better if they lose some body fat and get fitter. This video is about 2% only.

[@CashflowMeDaddy]

Look, people, I'm one of those guys that work out all the time. I say this. I'd rather have muscle dysmorphia than being obese.

[@Eric.Fitness]

Facts

[@fikujez]

That is binary thinking. IRL there's a whole range of healthy body types that are neither obese nor extremely muscular.

[@scott2228]

I’m in great shape but have suffered from this my entire life. My childhood friend was genetically gifted. But I was too young to understand genetics. So I killed myself in the gym. Now at 47 I’m riddled with injuries. Great shape for my age but would push even harder if I could. I love lifting heavy weights. But my joints hate me for it.

[@user-bc6ll5mt4j]

The man in the thumbnail could have avoided those muscular imbalances if he listened to Athlean-x.

[@robertmarley8852]

Muscular imbalance is real. When we are in kindergarten they don't encourage us to use both hands to write ... Why is that? We are all ambidextrous

[@rubenluna7865]

Do you mean the guy who eats one slice of carrot cake a year because he can get fat?

[@automotivetv9861]

@3:02.. Trunks Legengary ssj1 .. that's where it all started for me..

[@maddyG7414]

So happy to see men talking about this! We are all human with our own insecurities.

[@Joe-xj2tb]

I've had this problem, I was 120lbs in 98 when I started working offshore drilling, I made it to 165lbs four years later and went back down to 155lbs and that's where I e stayed it doesn't matter what I eat or how I work out I simply cannot gain weight muscle nor fat!! I HATE THIS KAGE IM TRAPPED IN!!

[@theguy4615]

I'm the same. Your body has a certain set point, it's very difficult to change that. Accept it and make the best of it.

[@tonydryden5277]

Thats why Dragon Ball Z was popular, we all want to get swole just by getting mad.

[@jesperpetersen636]

I have had this since i was a teen. Now i focus everyday on what i am able to do instead of what i look like. This works. But i had to realize and accept that i had muscle dysmorphia to be able to move on🙏🏻❤️💪

[@Pipiglande]

Every single body builder has this because they only work based on aesthetic, not health. You want to saw wow that's discipline but I say oh that's a mental health issue.

[@h.l.6156]

I've been saying this over and over but sometimes these gym guys who criticize people for not working out or think the gym is the end all be all of health and wellness sound exactly like the anorexic girls I followed on tumblr. The way they talk, the way they think about themselves, the way they are unwilling to be vulnerable because it will project that they are not in control.....its all the same

[@DarthTalon66]

Anorexic and on the verge of dying isn’t the same as this at all. I get this too and feel small even though I’ve been going to the gym for almost 3 years. I know I’m not small but when I look in the mirror I don’t always see that. I’m not binge eating or doing anything crazy. It’s just something that comes with it.

[@h.l.6156]

@@DarthTalon66 notice how I didn't say on the verge of death anywhere in my comment because not every anorexic person is on the verge of death. I'm talking about the "discipline", body dysmorphia, judgement of others who are not in the same situation as them and constant comparison of themselves with ideals. I'm personally talking about the extremeness of it all. Your less intense experience doesn't negate the fact that certain "gym bros" still literally sound like anorexic tumblr girls when they talk about their fitness journey.

[@DarthTalon66]

@@h.l.6156 oh so promoting a healthy lifestyle isn’t ideal for you.

[@h.l.6156]

@@DarthTalon66 idk if youre just not reading my comments fully but clearly you are taking my criticism of the unhealthy extreme side of fitness/ orthorexia/ body dysmorphia personally so i would suggest you seek out therapy

[@allahakbar59]

​@h.l.6156 M en being vulnerable and w omen being vulnerable are two very different things. Can't believe it even has to be pointed out.

[@agibson0826]

We’re always trying to chase are pump haha and are pump will always get bigger. It’s a never ending game 😂

[@Trowitaway789]

It’s the women I blame honestly. They say they don’t want guys like this, but all those women in that boxing guys classes were fonding over his muscles

[@Gregski3]

"In order to be desired by females I had to look good..." yeah no shid😂😂😂

[@allahakbar59]

Really guys... this is what has become of us? My fellow m en crying about this nonsense lol. No wonder w omen are divorcing at record highs. Go to the gym and jus enjoy being in shape.

[@711CokeSlurpies]

Bro... As a Muslim brother of yours in Islam, I want to advise you that we as Muslim men shouldn't be adapting to the toxic ideologies that you decided to comment and put out on the internet. idk what's gotten into you lol. What "nonsense?" If it's a problem, it's a problem. Men not feeling big enough IS a problem. Even Muhammad SAW wasn't a body builder but he still saw value in himself as a leader and was humble towards Allah swt. If that is Sunnah and men don't see that value in themselves, then THAT'S the problem. The problem doesn't lie with them NOT enjoying being in shape, it's them judging themselves based on society's standards of what men should look like and being extremely harsh on themselves. There are some men out there who just have different genetics. If you were a REAL fitness enthusiast then you'd know that and you wouldn't associate men not feeling big enough with divorces lololol. Where did THAT come from? Lol cuz no offense, that sounded like your projecting an insecurity brotha. I would look into the story of Julaybeeb and how Muhammad pbuh NOT ONLY recognized that man's decrease self-confidence because of his God-given short and skinny stature, but also helped him GAIN confidence By emphasizing his value in the eyes of Allah swt, finding him a WIFE, but also being loving and friendly. It was THAT man who Muhammad pbuh buried himself after he searched for his body after one of the battled and honored him, regardless of how he looked. Muhammad pbuh HIMSELF recognized THE PROBLEM IN THIS VIDEO! The fact is, we need to be judging ourselves based on who we were yesterday and to make small changes. Islam pushes us to judge ourselves NOT on our body image, but on Allah's perception of us. No matter how we look. It is okay to recognize issues regarding self-confidence within society at large; THAT is how Muhammad SAW brought people together. When Allah (swt) tells us to "establish" certain things in the Quran, the connotation is slow development of the self. This is key. Anyways, perhaps you meant something else, But regardless, I feel that it would have been best if you had brought your best foot forward And represented our Muslim community in a more positive light. In my opinion, you jumped to judging too quickly.

[@allahakbar59]

@711Slurpies Sorry homie I'm not Muslim. As for what I said they're statistics. W omen divorce m en at an alarming percentage. The meaning behind what I said is basically this. We've got bigger fish to fry. Obesity is a far larger issue.

[@jiujitsujim]

No one admitted to steroids..lol😅😅

[@rafaelquinones222]

Got opposite issue left 5 times & checking myself in mirror think, damn, damn I look good.

[@cogitoergosum9069]

Well, I'm happy for you! It sounds like you have a positive relationship with your body, kudos!

[@philmikehunt9664]

Legalize cannabis federally

[@AutumnHaunts]

I have body dysmorphia but it causes anorexia and I starve myself to appear as small as possible and I see myself as bigger than I am. It’s pure torture.

[@Lucysil1970]

I don’t see many people with this disorder. Most guys seem fine with looking sloppy and fat.

[@jamesjacksoniii2400]

It's with us men that workout. Like we could look like our body's been chiseled out of marble but it's still never enough.

[@marianna1513]

You play a reason as to why men think like they do. You're going to call guys sloppy and fat. Put a picture up of yourself.

[@ethanwiles1798]

@@jamesjacksoniii2400 weak mentality, you care way too much about what you on the outside, the only muscle you should ever be training is your heart

[@jamesjacksoniii2400]

@@ethanwiles1798 I feel like the heart goes hand and hand with lifting weights. Even some people that do cardio and "workout their hearts" still have heart attacks and heart failure.

[@ethanwiles1798]

@@jamesjacksoniii2400 well anyone can get heart attacks regardless of fitness levels, but whats the point being big and buff if you cant even do basic cardio or endurance training?

[@tammyc2852]

Extreme is how many hours their putting in on a daily, consuming their world

[@freshfalcon3996]

That has to be the most unfortunate name in history

[@aroundandround]

This seems like a particularly American male problem. In most of the rest of the world, there just isn’t as much pressure on men to be buff.

[@maddzm1140]

Muscles give longevity, high testosterone, confidence, strength, good posture, female attention, male attention, respect, mobility, endurance in bed,etc..... a bit of dysmorphia from time to time ain't that bad

[@JacqueCRISCOsd]

I definitely think it’s spectrum. Where a little bit of dissatisfaction can lead to better physical and mental health.

[@benpeterson7530]

@@JacqueCRISCOsd I've thought before that most men that have a physique that is noticeably fit, and muscular (perhaps looks like they could be a male lead in a marvel movie as an example) after around their early 20s would likely be diagnosed with some sort of disorder. Perhaps an eating disorder, or a body image disorder. It is just a lot of work to have a body like that as an adult with responsibilities and an abundance of food. Humans are wired for survival in harsh conditions, most don't handle having food always available very well once their metabolism / activity levels go down usually in their mid 20s. I also wonder if there isn't a genetic component to it (obviously there is genetics to how people look, I mean more mental views and disorders). My dads side of the family is unusually fit. My 36 year old cousin (I am the same age) has 3 children, and she has visible abs, and vascular arms (she has been diagnosed and went to treatment for anorexia). My aunt who is early 60s is the same way, lean, vascular for a woman, and actually has visible abs. I have 4 cousins on my dad's side, and all are fit. I am very fit as well. I still have visible abs, and I've got a decent amount of muscle on me (enough to bench 405 lbs, and deadlift 600 lbs). I haven't been diagnosed, but food and exercise is something I am thinking about all the time. Always striving to look better. I think on my dad's side there is just a lot of drive to stay fit. Maybe it's genetic, maybe it was some sort of conditioning by one of my grandparents or something. Perhaps it is just easier for us, but I feel I put in a ton of work (I've been consistently training for around 15 years now). I don't think I've missed more than 2 weeks, and that was for vacationing. I feel bad if I miss my workouts. A bit guilty, but really, just more so depressed. I think perhaps exercise gives some people a larger "high" than others. I enjoy exercising. I look forward to it. I don't often have any temptation to skip, because I'd rather do that than most other things.

[@JacqueCRISCOsd]

@@benpeterson7530 I think it’s about assessing where that depression comes from. It sounds like you’re In ridiculous shape. If you skip a workout, are you bummed out because you loved working out or are you bummed out because you think you’re gonna lose your physique. And, Like I said, I think it’s a spectrum. Being self-conscious, and upset about losing your physique is fine. In my opinion. It’s fine to have a mild level of dissatisfaction. I think that when it becomes unhealthy Is when it Actually weighs on you. And then Potentially, if it’s an obsession. I think a lot of these guys with ridiculous physiques Miss out on life a little bit. Even if it doesnt hurt them mentally. Endless hours in the gym, constantly eating And meal prepping. But hey, everyone has their hobby, I suppose.

[@leobethge6002]

Yes, I want to be ripped in my shirt, but I also want good mental health and reduction of PTSD. I keep this in focus. Be good to yourself!

[@matthickok6635]

Can we get some awareness around lip size dysmorphia from women next?

[@maciek6967]

I am very tall, skinny fat and during the pandemic and time living abroad I see I become more sad and lonely. All my friends consider me as a person who takes care of myself and pays attention to what I eat. I find it really unfair seeing guys tall as me with beautiful hair, muscular bodies and easy going.

[@N6-vn6ps]

It's the modern day culture. Movies. Advertising. Etc. I've known people who have grown to huge proportions in bodybuilding and are never satisfied. It is unhealthy.

[@NeanderthalNatty]

Most guys that think they are small are right...most guys that think they are big are wrong. Use objective standards to know what you are.

[@Truth-of-the-matter]

I've always felt that toned is more advantageous then a muscular build. Most men don't need the muscular builds considering our work doesn't require that type of body. We should be promoting healthy eating first and having a strong core vs having a huge body.

[@tylergnosis2581]

This hit very close to home

[@michaelderenne9838]

The actor guy was in shape but no where near a big guy

[@CasperGhostingYou]

I love how for men it's "muscle" dysmorphia, and with everyone else cough (aka...woman and gay men), it body dysmorphia. It's the same dam thing, but it shows you how we emphasize men having issues with muscles and masculine words. So ridiculous.

[@Piccolo_Re]

I’d like to dig into stats on how many body builders are dying before their 50s or 60s. I’d say a lot all because of steroid use, TRT, HCG, HGH, etc. Too many people taking roids and PEDs today.

[@mikesbigtank6015]

So instead of wanting to be healthy and in great shape we should all be happy being out of shape and unhealthy!!!

[@lj5190]

Way ahead of you.

[@ericlopez9107]

4:47...George Mycock!!?? There's a last name for you !!! Imagine if his name were Justin, or Jack!!..😂😂🤣

[@muscleboystud5291]

Great video

[@peterjackbenson]

I loved being skinny. I was dismayed at being morbidly obese, but thats a healthy response. I love myself for who i am. Thats not easy, though, cuz society broadcasts that success is linked to physical appearance. My heart goes out to every guy who thinks he isn't good enough, especially the guys who can't admit they have this issue.

[@williambarrera4629]

grinder pt and plate carriers helped me find my foundation upon which I built, that was year one. Year two....heavy weights, kettlebells, grinder pt, and plate carriers, eliminated all possible reasons for me to have muscle dysmorphia. Im more shredded and jacked than I ever was when I was in the service in combat arms in my 20s. Im 41 years old and I am the best looking version of myself than I have ever been. Fasting was a game changer too, if you are ever curious how jacked guys keep their abs in check. Protein and veggies 99 percent of the time, and if I eat dirty, I make sure its well made food from mom and pop spots and not crap fast food.

[@trevorwilliams3501]

Please stop presenting the extremes as the norm. This is mental illness. Not societal issues. It's definitely not fitness. These people aren't doing things correctly. Extra squinty side eye at the expert personal trainer who trained for a six pack over working and under feeding himself. He should return his credentials if he really thinks that's how its done.

[@mizuslayer]

exactly lmao i heard that and was like this guy was never serious to begin with these ppl need to bffr

[@Allen-a-tor]

I’m 60 yrs old, started working out when I was around 12yrs old. I know some of you will not understand what I’m about to say, but…..starting to workout in my younger years, playing sports and living for Jesus ( yes, I said living for Jesus) kept me out of trouble.

[@Masamune-fs4qt]

The art of not caring what other people think of you needs to become a normal part of life.

[@iamjeffyd5578]

I’d rather have body dysmorphia than have a Dad Bod any day. HELLLL TO THE NO 😊😊😊

[@mrbobo86]

There's nothing wrong with wanting to look good

[@witchingbrew3]

Okay but this is about how that can get out of control. The dysphoria is almost like anorexia and/or bulimia, where no target or goal is ever enough. This is basically bringing awareness that MEN have physical insecurities as well. Eating disorders or work out bulimia, and muscle dysphoria.

[@DarthTalon66]

@@witchingbrew3body dysmorphia at most

[@anakatana777]

But there is definitely something wrong with distorting your image whenever you look at a mirror.

[@EbonySaints]

True, but body dysmorphia is the epitome of, "The perfect is the enemy of the good."

[@allahakbar59]

​@@anakatana777Do you have the same energy for gender dysphoria?

[@BatBrakesBones]

I learned a lot about nutrition and training

[@ShyGuySupreme007]

DragonBall Z really helped me in alot of ways

[@raisingarizona2008]

I have lifted for over 25 years for health not for vanity. The muscle and lean build is just the result of my healthy lifestyle.

[@FrodeFalch]

Real men train for performance and ability. Not for looks.

[@Mr.aAdDies]

Ooook I’m self-diagnosing myself with this now😅

[@Okgeneric]

this type of thinking has made me SO INSECURE about having a nice body. literally every day i have to wake up and performatively show the world that i'm not insecure about my body by literally covering up my body....its so weird imo. otherwise if i work out in the park without my shirt on people will act like im trying to do some big flex as if im trying to prove to them that im a man....its so like lolwtf. and so literally everything is a sign that you are insecure, as if my insecurity is derived from me thinking that other people dont think that im a man, this is not the case at all, i dont care at all really if they think im a man or not, what i care about is them believing that im treating myself with care and positivity because im trying to "show off", "flex" or be "dominant" or something. its easier to just hide your body so people dont judge you than trying to mentally overcome the idea that selfcare = insecurity

[@User-27559]

I keep on feeling like I’m not doing well enough but then after my gym session I usually get compliments from people and yet they don’t feel true…

[@danteeudora6330]

This is important. People think women have a monopoly on body image issues. It's more just that they are usually more willing to talk about them than men are.

[@user-mn6li2yv4d]

I feel so sad watching this . I have lost 25 years of my life trying to be “ masculine “ look better , man enough… I feel who am I ? I feel me does not match my body….

[@thefreshprinceofnohair9703]

The difference between men and women is muscle.

[@DomViktor]

I’m not shredded by any means but I like the look of my body in the morning. At the same time I see guys way more muscular than me post themselves online and get absolutely torn apart by the comment section. I think social media does play a big part into this body dysmorphia issue as well.

[@lj5190]

Jesus Christ... when did everyone become so neurotic?

[@pdruiz2005]

Social media. Kids now are so damn anxious it's scary...

[@FlippedSociety]

Swole is the goal. Size is the prize. 💪💪

[@DS-Slug]

God damn right brother 🤙

[@toof9696]

Just do the workout don't care about what others say about you. Get stronger and feel good that's what matters.👍♥️

[@MrProcrastinator007]

I found this interesting, but am totally irked that the guy at the end said he thinks the brain is a muscle. Too much time hitting the weights instead of the books I suppose. 😂