Body dysmorphia: when the mirror lies and you see something that isn't there
Experts explain body dysmorphic disorder, a condition in which the brain distorts a person's real appearance, and outline how to recognise it and where to seek help.
Many people, looking back at old photos, wonder why they once felt too fat or unattractive when in reality they looked fine. This reaction is often more than ordinary self-criticism — it can be a sign of body dysmorphic disorder, a mental health condition in which a person becomes preoccupied with a real or entirely imagined flaw in their appearance, most commonly involving weight, body shape, facial features or skin.
What makes the condition striking is the gap between actual appearance and self-perception: someone with a slim or healthy body may look in the mirror and see something completely different, fixating only on the perceived defect while ignoring the full picture. Compliments or reassurance from others are frequently dismissed as polite lies or misunderstanding.
Warning signs
Common indicators include constantly comparing one's body to others — on the street, on social media, or against old photographs. Other signs include excessively checking one's reflection or, conversely, an intense fear of mirrors and being photographed. People may also hide their body under oversized clothing, become consumed by thoughts about a specific body part throughout the day, or withdraw from social events, the beach or dates because they feel too big. A further sign is looking back at old photos where one once felt terrible, only now realising the person in the picture was actually slim and attractive.
Causes and coping strategies
The disorder is fuelled both by social media, with its filters and unrealistic beauty standards, and by critical comments heard in childhood or adolescence from parents, peers or coaches.
To address it, specialists advise paying attention to one's thoughts and remembering that feeling "fat" is an emotion, not a fact. Limiting exposure to social media content that triggers feelings of inadequacy is also recommended. If self-help measures are not enough, seeking a therapist who specialises in eating and body-image disorders is advised as the most effective path forward.
