Consecuencias de la Vigorexia

Vigorexia: El lado dañino del deporte

En un mundo como en el que vivimos, donde la imagen corporal ha cobrado tanta importancia, no
podemos culpar a la casualidad del increíble aumento de trastornos como la anorexia, la bulimia o
la vigorexia
 En un mundo como en el que vivimos, donde la imagen corporal
ha cobrado tanta importancia, no podemos culpar a la casualidad
del increíble aumento de trastornos como la anorexia, la bulimia
o la vigorexia.

Probablemente, si asistes regularmente al gym, conoces a alguien

que responde a este perfil: obsesión por verse musculoso, miradas
Vigorexia: El lado dañino del
deporte constantes al espejo, continuas visitas a la báscula, abandono de
prácticamente todas las actividades sociales, dedicación casi
exclusiva al gimnasio y a entrenar sin un objetivo claro, dietas ricas en proteínas,
“demasiado” interés por los anabolizantes... De ser así, entonces es muy probable que te
hayas topado con alguien que padece un serio trastorno: la vigorexia.

Aunque no lo creas, no todos los que hacen ejercicio lo realizan para estar sanos; en muchas
ocasiones, su única finalidad es lograr “un cuerpo perfecto”, aunque el precio para lograrlo
sea sacrificar su salud.

La vigorexia es una patología que se consideró, durante mucho tiempo, exclusiva del
hombre; pero, ¡aguas!, porque hoy en día las mujeres también están siendo víctimas de ella.
La razón es simple: las niñas desarrollan la enfermedad por querer adelgazar; los hombres,
por desear ser más musculosos.

El rango de edad de quienes la padecen oscila entre los 18 y 30 años; viven en las grandes
ciudades; cuentan con un nivel social y económico medio-alto; dedican demasiado tiempo,
entre tres y cuatro horas diarias, a practicar un deporte y el poco tiempo que les queda… Lo
dedican a sus actividades u ocupaciones cotidianas.

¿QUIÉN ES EL CULPABLE?
La enfermedad se desprende de un cuadro obsesivo compulsivo, que hace que el vigoréxico
se sienta fracasado, abandone sus actividades y se encierre en un gimnasio día y noche.
Desgraciadamente, los medios de comunicación juegan un papel muy importante en el
desarrollo de la vigorexia; las revistas, la televisión e internet promueven un prototipo de
“cuerpo perfecto” y quien siente que no se amolda al “tipo físico establecido”, puede ser
víctima fácil.

CARACTERÍSTICAS DE LOS VIGORÉXICOS

¿Cómo saber si tu mejor amigo(a) es víctima de este padecimiento? Muy sencillo, sé un poco
observador(a); quien padece el trastorno presenta características físicas bien definidas
como:
• Mirarse constantemente al espejo y percibirse delgado o gordo y con poca musculatura
(aunque no sea así).
• Realizan ejercicio sin importar las condiciones climáticas; sientan alguna molestia o
indisposición. Por lo general se enfadan o se sienten culpables cuando no pueden realizarlos.
• Hacen dietas ricas en hidratos de carbono, proteínas y bajas en grasa.
• Prestan poca atención al estudio y al trabajo, debido a los entrenamientos.
• La mayoría no puede dejar de ir un día al gimnasio; son tantas las horas que pasan en él
que lo sienten como un segundo hogar.
• Consumen anabólicos y esteroides.
• Su carácter se torna introvertido e irritable.
• Mantienen un cuidado obsesivo de su imagen corporal (se miran al espejo, se pesan, se
miden).
• Guardan preocupación excesiva por la composición química y calórica de los alimentos.

CONSECUENCIAS
La vigorexia produce una gran cantidad de problemas físicos, metabólicos y estéticos; sin
dejar de lado los problemas emocionales que son origen y consecuencia del trastorno.
Los vigoréxicos presentan alteraciones psicológicas como depresión y ansiedad porque nunca
están conformes con su cuerpo. Sus relaciones sociales se deterioran a causa de los largos y
exhaustivos entrenamientos; el estudio y/o el trabajo se ven gravemente afectados, ya que
son sumamente descuidados al practicar el deporte desmedidamente.
http://www.es.catholic.net/jovenes/216/546/articulo.php?id=267
13

Indicators

http://www.eating-disorder.com/Eating-Treatment/Eating-Disorders/bigorexia.htm

Some gym addicts become so all-consumed with working out that they are barely able
to function in other areas of their lives. Following are indicators that you (or someone
you care about) may be on the path to addiction:

• Isolating socially – including turning down dates or activities to work out instead.
Many compulsive trainers will not attend functions where food is present – they see food
as a danger which could interfere with their training progress.
• Excessive Exercising – exercising for long periods, perhaps several or many times
each day.
• ‘Bigorexia’ – a term coined specifically for bodybuilders who are never satisfied with
their size; no matter how ‘big’ they get, it is not enough.
• Feelings of depression – you feel worthless if you did not complete your workout fully
(for many addicts ‘fully’ means exactly what was planned – one minute less is not
acceptable).
• Anxiety – many addicted to training or bodybuilding feel extremely anxious
(sometimes acting outwardly irritated) if they are kept from their workout
• Financial decline – the addicted individual may carry several costly gym memberships
(to have 24-hour access); some spend large amounts of money on dietary supplements
and/or workout wear or gear
• Priority #1 – addicts schedule their entire day around their gym activities

Risks

Risks/Complications of Bigorexia
Some problems that may arise as a result of this disorder include:
• Damaged muscles, joints and tendons
• Self hatred
• Poor relationships, negatively affected social life
• Interference with work and school
• Inability to relax without constantly worrying about the judgment of others
• Depression, suicide
• Hazardous effects of steroids and other bodybuilding drugs
For those with bigorexia who find themselves struggling with depression, depression
treatment facilities are available to help. These centers, as well as eating disorder
treatment centers can be very beneficial to someone with bigorexia.

http://www.casapalmera.com/articles/bigorexiamuscle-dysmorphia/

San Diego County Rehabilitation Center for Eating Disorders, Chemical Dependency, Trauma Treatment and Pain

Management

Casa Palmera © 2007 All Rights Reserved

What Is Bigorexia?
For years most persons were familiar with the term anorexia and the idea that pressure to
conform to cultural standards of thinness and beauty drove persons to starve their own bodies. In
1997, the term Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder (MDD), also referred to as 'bigorexia' was coined to
represent a growing "reverse anorexic" condition.

Persons suffering from MDD/bigorexia find themselves caught in a cyclical pattern of working to
increase their muscle development but never quite making it to their goal. Persons in this category
perceive their bodies as being too small despite regular weight lifting routines and regimens
intended to increase their muscle development. This perceived lack of muscle size makes them
believe they are "ugly." Persons in this category are typically not as concerned about "fat" or
losing weight as in other forms of disordered eating. They are primarily disturbed by their lack of
muscle definition and size.

Because of this, bigorexia is not an eating disorder. It is considered to be a variant (or subtype) of
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Disordered eating practices, however, may be employed by
those who are struggling with this disorder.

It is common to find males and females in competitive weight lifting who meet the criteria for
MDD/bigorexia. It is believed that the increased media spotlight on developed bodies and the
desire to win competitions may feed this disorder.

Bigorexia sufferers are convinced their flaws exist (lack of muscle development) in spite of
reassurances from friends and family members. Some wear baggy clothes to hide their bodies.
Other bigorexics may wear tight fitting clothing to display their muscular stature, even while still
feeling they have not met their body building goals. While they feature a great emphasis on the
size of their body, bigorexics are not necessarily self-centered. For some, their preoccupation may
cause them to actually seem shy and avoid social situations.

Bigorexia has several negative consequences: the preoccupation may cause individuals to miss
important events, continue training through pain or broken bones, even lose their job/significant
relationships over their workout schedule. As mentioned above, it also carries an inherent risk of
creating disordered eating patterns in the individual.

What Do I Do Now?

If you are struggling with bigorexia and/or other forms of BDD, the first thing you need to know is
you are not alone. Literally millions of people worldwide are struggling with this issue. As with any
disorder, we strongly recommend finding a professional counselor, doctor or therapist with whom
you can share your concerns, and get onto a path toward balance and peace. For more
information on finding the help you need, read our article on Finding Treatment.
Additionally, we would recommend Dr. Roberto Olivardia's book, The Adonis Complex, which
discusses the obsession with muscle size and body building.

http://www.findingbalance.com/articles/disorders/bigorexia.asp

Brenda woods MD Kevin Wandler MD Extreme exercisers work out despite illness, injury or
exhaustion and solely for weight loss; they are devastated if they miss a session.

FINDINGbalance is a faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit health and wellness organization with an

emphasis on eating and body image issues. We

Vigorexia

Addiction to exercise or bigorexia is a disorder in which people do exercise or sports continuously. These 

people are always forcing their bodies to the maximum, without considering the consequences. 

Some symptoms are:

• Looking in the mirror constantly, and still feeling bad.

• Investing all possible hours to exercise to build up muscles.

• Weighing themselves several times a day.

• Comparing themselves with others who practice Bodybuilding (Bodybuilding is the sport most 

related with this disorder). 

People with bigorexia try to obtain the perfect figure and are influenced by the actual models proposed by 

society. Athletes who want to be the best in their disciplines and therefore, demand more from their bodies 

until they reach their goals can also suffer this disorder. 

People addicted to exercise practice exercise without caring about climate conditions. They will keep 

exercising even if they feel pain or are injured. If they cannot exercise or if someone criticises them, they will 

get angry and feel guilty.
 

These people will spend several hours a day exercising and cannot stop even for one day. Often times 

these hours are spent at a gym; making the gym almost seem like a second home. 

These people have personality characteristics similar to those who suffer from other types of addictions. 

They have low self esteem, and experience extreme difficulties in social situations. They are introverted and 

reject or have difficulties accepting their body image. This obsession with the body is very similar to the 

characteristics people with anorexia may experience. 

Consequences

Several health problems and injuries can occur when exercising excessively. 

Disproportion between body parts is common. For example, a person could have a strong and big body 

with a small head. 

The lifting of heavy weights in the gym can affect bones, tendons, muscles, and joints. 

The diet people who are experiencing bigorexia consume is another frequent and important problem. These 

people consume too much protein and carbohydrates and too little fat. Their goal is to increase muscle 

mass. This practice can cause disorders with other organs (especially the kidneys) and metabolism. 

The use of anabolic steroids is another concern associated with bigorexia. People with bigorexia will use 

these steroids because they believe they will be more physically fit and increase muscle mass. The use of 

these substances can be very dangerous!  These drugs can produce an abnormal development of male 
characteristics of the body, as well as irregular menstrual cycles, shrinkage of the testes, a reduced sperm 

count, acne, cardiac problems, and water retention. 

It is important to keep in mind that these drugs do not enhance muscular strength, agility or resistance; they 

just change appearance. 

Treatment

Culture, society and education are the main factors involved in the cause of this disorder. These people are 

constantly exposed to these factors. However, there is evidence of hormonal and central nervous system 

biochemical disorders involved in bigorexia. That’s why treatment should concentrate on both behavioral 

modification as well as the physical part.

The emotional environment provided by friends and family will play a very important part in the healing 

process. Friends and family will need to provide support to the person who is trying to reduce their exercise 

habits. 

It will be necessary to help people with bigorexia to reduce their need for a long and intense exercise 

routine.  We can help by convincing them to practice other type of activities that are less harmful for their 

body. 

The need to have an ideal body image does not suggest that the person has a psychological disorder.  

However, we should always be aware that there is a higher probability of having one for those people who 

have bigorexia. 

http://www.teensmart.net/en/ejercicio/vigorexia-2.html
TeenSmart International, Inc.  (TSI), established in 2004, is a USA tax exempt (501©3) non profit 
organization which serves to strengthen existing youth and family development organizations in the USA 
and Latin America.

Indicators

Lifting excessive amounts of weight, even when

not in
sports training.
Using performance-enhancing supplements.
Checking their appearance in the mirror frequently.
Feeling ashamed to show their bodies in public,
even when fully clothed.
http://schoolweb.psdschools.org/phs/departments/pe/Foundations%20Power%20Point/Chapter%206/Lesson%2
06-2.pdf