Aga, Omar; (2025) The Lived Experiences of Men at Risk of Developing Muscle Dysmorphia; an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) is a condition where individuals develop a pathological preoccupation with muscle definition to the point of functional, professional, social and physical impediment. It has been classified under Body Dysmorphic Disorders according to the DSM-5. It affects both men and women, but research shows that men are more likely to be afflicted due to the societal pressure on them to maintain a muscular look. However, a great deal of debate still exists regarding its nature, classification, the nuances of its presentation, modes of diagnosis and treatment. In this study, these questions were addressed by interviewing eight men about their experiences living with muscle dysmorphia. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to glean a deep, nuanced understanding of these men’s daily behaviours regarding dieting, exercise, grooming, relationships with family, sports, loved ones, therapy, their bodies, and themselves. The study suggests that the root causes of MD stem from childhoods marred by emotional and physical parental neglect, school bullying, pressure to compete in scholastic athletics, and overwhelming media influence. These men then grow up insecure about themselves and emotionally dependent on external approval to construct a sense of self-belief. This fuels their need to exercise regularly to maintain an idealised image.

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