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It\u2019s unrealistic to maintain bodybuilders\u2019 body fat levels as they perform during a show. Gaining weight and body fat back after competition can take a toll on bodybuilders\u2019 mental health, though. It\u2019s easy for them to develop body dysmorphia when incorporating more foods and not being as shredded as when they walked across the stage. <\/span>International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA)\/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA)<\/span><\/a> natural bodybuilder <\/span>Joseph Ortiz<\/b><\/a> shed light on many bodybuilding competitors\u2019 struggle with food and their body image post-competition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Joseph Ortiz was the Men\u2019s Physique champion at the 2019 <\/span>Natural Olympia<\/span><\/a><\/span>. He knows that it\u2019s easy to have an unhealthy body image in the sport of bodybuilding after competitions. And that competitors can be too hard on themselves for the extra fat they\u2019ve gained from incorporating more foods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In a social media post on December 22, 2021, Ortiz was vocal about bodybuilders\u2019 struggle after shows. He voiced:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cA good handful of competitors struggle to maintain a healthy relationship with food and their physique after their competition is over. Once the body fat % starts to trickle up they begin to beat themselves up, some can even develop body dysmorphia.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Body dysmorphia is a mental illness when you have excessive shame over your body image. Even when you could be outstanding and healthy on the outside, someone with body dysmorphia only recognizes their flaws obsessively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Many athletes suffer from bigorexia in bodybuilding<\/span><\/a>, which is muscle dysmorphia \u2013 constantly thinking about building muscle. (<\/span>1<\/span><\/a>) This is no surprise since to do well in bodybuilding shows, often, more muscle is better. However, bodybuilders can <\/span>battle this mental illness with the right strategies<\/span><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After bodybuilding shows, Joseph Ortiz suggests a few strategies for healthy relationships with food and body fat. Below is what Joseph Ortiz recommends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Joseph Ortiz states that it\u2019s essential to recognize that weight gain is normal and healthy after the competition. He recommends you have a plan to gain weight in a controlled manner. He also says that weight gain can be lost. And there\u2019s nothing to be ashamed of if you need professional help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Below you can see Ortiz\u2019s full Instagram post.<\/p>\n Body dysmorphia is a mental illness that is a negative obsessive thought pattern over your body image. And it\u2019s common in bodybuilding, especially after a competition. However, gaining weight after a bodybuilding show is entirely normal and healthy. Have a plan in place, and don\u2019t feel embarrassed if you need to seek professional help.<\/p>\n Share this on <\/span>Instagram<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Facebook<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Twitter<\/span><\/a> to help people struggling with body dysmorphia!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Body Dysmorphia in Bodybuilding<\/b><\/h3>\n
Prevent Body Dysmorphia With a Healthy Relationship With Food and Body Fat Post-Competition<\/b><\/h3>\n
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