Body Dysmorphia
“I feel fat” or “I’m too skinny” are common things people say even when they aren’t. Many people today are unhappy with how they look even if the flaws they stress over are unnoticeable. They compare themselves to others and make it hard for themselves to feel satisfied.
What is Body dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphia is a mental condition in which a person is constantly thinking about their appearance negatively. An obsession over appearances can lead to a person developing eating disorders, where they limit their food to dangerous levels. In extreme cases, such a disorder can lead to suicide or death.
Causes:
The exact cause of Body dysmorphia isn’t known, but the following may contribute to the development of the condition:
Genetics: People with relatives who have this disorder have a higher likelihood of developing it themselves, though there is a possibility that it could be because of the influence of relatives’ behaviors.
Comparison: Comparing yourself to other people can create unrealistic expectations. Seeing models on social media can make a person hate themselves because they’re comparing themselves to the impossible. A bodybuilder may already look insanely ripped to the average person, but they still are unhappy with their appearance since someone else looks better. To combat this, it’s important to remember that no one is perfect and everyone is their own unique individual
Chemical Imbalances: Abnormal levels of the hormone, serotonin, can cause depression and low self-esteem. One of the functions of serotonin is to regulate moods of happiness and anxiety.
Prevalence in Athletes:
It’s common knowledge that exercising and participating in sports is beneficial not only for bodily health but also for a person’s mental health. Moreover, the benefits of sports generally outweigh the risks, but it’s important to keep all dangers in mind. Many athletes strive to be the best and are always comparing themselves to others; this competition can be unhealthy and can lead to self-harm and/or overexercising. Online, athletes are often met with targeted posts that will show them others who seem better at everything they do. Posts like “This 12-year-old girl is faster than you” can be very demotivating and make athletes hate their bodies for not being as amazing.
Conclusion:
Body dysmorphia is becoming more and more of an issue in modern society due to unrealistic expectations created by online media. People who are dissatisfied with their bodies can turn to exercise to improve; nevertheless, not everyone will be happy. At some point, people will have to accept their bodies for what they are.
Sources:
“Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).” NHS , NHS, www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/body-dysmorphia/#:~:text=Body%20dysmorphic%20disorder%20(BDD)%2C,affects%20both%20men%20and%20women. Accessed 23 Mar. 2024.
“Causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).” www.mind.org.uk, www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd/causes/#PerfectionismOrComparingYourselfWithOthers.
Cleveland Clinic. “Body Dysmorphic Disorder | Cleveland Clinic.” Cleveland Clinic, 1 Nov. 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder.
Mayo Clinic. “Body Dysmorphic Disorder - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic Staff, 13 Dec. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938.
Annamarya Scaccia. “Serotonin: What You Need to Know.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 22 Aug. 2016, www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/serotonin#serotonin-boosters.