How I Cured My Body Dysmorphia

Like most people in fitness, I’ve struggled with body dysmorphia.

For a long time, every time I looked in the mirror, I felt like I was both fat and small at the same time, even when I was actually in great shape.

If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. And while I wouldn’t say I’m 100% “cured,” I’ve gotten to a much healthier place with how I see my body. Here are a few things that really helped me along the way:

Focus on performance, not just appearance. Shifting my mindset toward what my body can do instead of only how it looks made a huge difference.

Change how you think about fat. Gaining some fat doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Some body fat is not only normal, it’s healthy.

Dress for confidence. Wearing clothes that fit well and make you feel good can instantly improve how you carry yourself.

Avoid the extremes. I used to think that if I just lost 10 more pounds or got leaner, I’d be happy with my body. But the truth is, if the mindset isn’t there, those changes won’t fix the deeper issue.

Over time, I realized that chasing “shredded” doesn't always help. When you’re dealing with body dysmorphia, your brain will almost always find a way to tell you you’re too fat, too flat, or too skinny. The real progress for me came when I stopped tying my self-worth to how lean or muscular I looked. It’s okay to want to get healthier or make changes to your body, but it’s important to recognize when you’re being overly critical. You can care about your fitness without letting your appearance define your value.

And if you’re really struggling, please know it’s okay to ask for help. Talking to a professional can make a world of difference.