Hey everyone I am an English major. I am currently doing a research paper on bigorexia or reverse anorexia. For those who know what I am talking about, you probably already know you have this disorder. While doing my research I decided to compile a survey via internet.
I know there are many knowledgeable people on this site and anyone with information regarding this topic would be very helpful. I would also like a survey of people who suffer from this disorder. Perhaps even and online interview if anyone has the time on their hands… Thanks… Matt
Please. Most of the people on this site lately seem to think anything over 200lbs is “monstrous”. Not only that, but that term, while it may describe a minority, does not apply to most bodybuilders simply because they want big muscles. It implies a destruction of an individual’s life (the loss of a job, the loss of all relationships) all in favor of weight training. How many of those people do you really think exist?
Science has been using that term to describe anyone with muscles bigger than average and it is a mistake. It takes motivation that most people will never have to actually completely change the way you look. If this is now a form of insanity, then every overachiever in the medical/legal field and even sports falls into that category.
[quote]Professor X wrote:
Please. Most of the people on this site lately seem to think anything over 200lbs is “monstrous”. Not only that, but that term, while it may describe a minority, does not apply to most bodybuilders simply because they want big muscles. It implies a destruction of an individual’s life (the loss of a job, the loss of all relationships) all in favor of weight training. How many of those people do you really think exist?
Science has been using that term to describe anyone with muscles bigger than average and it is a mistake. It takes motivation that most people will never have to actually completely change the way you look. If this is now a form of insanity, then every overachiever in the medical/legal field and even sports falls into that category.[/quote]
Good points X.
To be perfectly honest OP, like X many of us dedicated lifters really don’t like that term. It basically implies that people who strive for above average goals when it comes to their physique are in some way mentally ill. Sorry but that’s just not the case in the vast, vast majority of cases.
Really unless a person is willing to inject Synthol into their body, or prostitute themselves for steroids, or some other unhealthy, damaging and/or life threatening behavior then they are not mentally ill.
The really ironic part of the situation is that the people coining these terms (the “health” care field) are among the least healthy group of individuals out there (at least here in the states).
[conspiracy theory] Maybe they (the medical industry/drug companies) have some stake in people being sick and know that big, strong, healthy individuals won’t be coming to them as often. So they devise ways to try to convince the public to avoid such activities.[/conspiracy theory]
[quote]Professor X wrote:
Please. Most of the people on this site lately seem to think anything over 200lbs is “monstrous”. Not only that, but that term, while it may describe a minority, does not apply to most bodybuilders simply because they want big muscles. It implies a destruction of an individual’s life (the loss of a job, the loss of all relationships) all in favor of weight training. How many of those people do you really think exist?
Science has been using that term to describe anyone with muscles bigger than average and it is a mistake. It takes motivation that most people will never have to actually completely change the way you look. If this is now a form of insanity, then every overachiever in the medical/legal field and even sports falls into that category.[/quote]
Do you guys remember that video that was on YouTube, where they interviewed this British guy who was complaining that “the first thing I thought about in the morning was getting a good breakfast,” like he had been cursed by the gods or something? That guy was priceless.
So why is an English major doing a paper on mental illness. I would think a paper on the over use of the word “nice” would be a more suitable topic. Besides athletes think to highly of themselves, to be test subjects in a study that could only serve, to belittle their efforts for personal achievements.
You may however, correct my grammar for me. I did after all fail to excel in English composition.
If you have ever known anyone with anorexia, you know that they are sick beyond belief. It’s one of the most twisted fucked up things you ever saw. And contrary to popular belief, it as nothing to do with food, weight, or appearance. It stems from dysfunctional relationships, often stretching back to childhood. Upwards of 10% of anorexics and bulimics die, and the recovery rate among the rest is very bleak indeed.
Take any guy obsessively bent on getting huge, and there is absolutely no comparison. None. All bodybuilders are necessarily obsessive. If they aren’t, they don’t get anywhere.
Eating disorders are complex mixtures of anger and desperation and self loathing.
Bodybuilding is a healthy human endeavor, and it requires a healthy mindset and outlook. The big guys I’ve been fortunate enough to meet share a mindset and outlook that is healthier than most other people I’ve run into in life.
[quote]Gael wrote:
If you have ever known anyone with anorexia, you know that they are sick beyond belief. It’s one of the most twisted fucked up things you ever saw. And contrary to popular belief, it as nothing to do with food, weight, or appearance. It stems from dysfunctional relationships, often stretching back to childhood. Upwards of 10% of anorexics and bulimics die, and the recovery rate among the rest is very bleak indeed.
Take any guy obsessively bent on getting huge, and there is absolutely no comparison. None. All bodybuilders are necessarily obsessive. If they aren’t, they don’t get anywhere.
Eating disorders are complex mixtures of anger and desperation and self loathing.
Bodybuilding is a healthy human endeavor, and it requires a healthy mindset and outlook. The big guys I’ve been fortunate enough to meet share a mindset and outlook that is healthier than most other people I’ve run into in life.[/quote]
Good post. The same obsession that caused Koby Bryant to watch hours and hours of basketball footage to improve his own game is apparently a mental illness now. Oh wait, that only applies if his pursuit involved bigger biceps at all.
[quote]ahzaz wrote:
I guess i have bigorexia… but i dont wanna use extremes like steroids and synathol, so all natural, probably wont get that big anyways, but ill try…[/quote]
Read your post again and tell me if that sounds like someone with a mental illness. I know people love to be labeled, especially when they’re young but seriously, you don’t have a fucking disease because you want to be more muscular.
off topic:
When are biceps actually useful other than grapels in wrestling?
topic:
Good post. Anorexia is the path to illness, but chances are none of us will ever be musclebound (isnt that the term where ur muscles come in the way of daily tasks?) so were improving out health
[quote]ahzaz wrote:
off topic:
When are biceps actually useful other than grapels in wrestling?
topic:
Good post. Anorexia is the path to illness, but chances are none of us will ever be musclebound (isnt that the term where ur muscles come in the way of daily tasks?) so were improving out health[/quote]
Biceps are useful for picking stuff up and pulling things towards you.
[quote]ahzaz wrote:
off topic:
When are biceps actually useful other than grapels in wrestling?
topic:
Good post. Anorexia is the path to illness, but chances are none of us will ever be musclebound (isnt that the term where ur muscles come in the way of daily tasks?) so were improving out health[/quote]
