The ideal body for men has been gradually changing. Surveys of media images and body building shows the increase of muscle size and definition that are seen as ideal. This has resulted in many men especially being worried about and their bodies. In order to obtain the perfect body, many men engage in excessive weight training. Lifting weight leads to many health benefits and may bring men closer to the perfect body.

Unfortunately, some men who lift weights also suffer from severe body dissatisfaction. These men see themselves as smaller and weaker than they actually are, are preoccupied with their muscles, and become consumed with weight training. These men may suffer from a body image disorder called muscle dysmorphia. Research has shown that 10% of body builders have this condition

Muscle Dysmorphia behaviours
People who have muscle dysmorphia display a number of similar behaviors. Here is a list of typical behaviors of someone who is experiencing muscle dysmorphia.

• Extreme exercise, especially resistance and weight training
• Many hours lifting weights
• Constant mirror-checking
• Avoiding social situations where they may appear muscularly small Compare their muscular build to others
• Extreme attention to diet
• Lifting while being injured
• Anxiety when missing a workout
• Neglecting family, friends, and job in order to exercise
• Use of anabolic steroids to enhance muscle mass

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Body Dysmorphic DisorderPeople with BDD suffer from a disabling preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in appearance. It affects both men and women equally. It makes sufferers check their appearance repeatedly, try to camouflage or change the defects they think they have. They often seek out cosmetic treatments. They are usually dissatisfied by the results and often have repeated procedures.  Family and friends are unable to help or try to give reassurance because they cannot see what the BDD sufferer does. BDD causes extreme distress and interferes with their ability to function socially.