Body image concerns are prevalent in many teenagers’ lives. They compare themselves to their peers and even to the images portrayed in the media, which can lead to a range of harmful behaviors.

One of these is Megalorexia, an uncommon yet dangerous eating disorder. In this article, we aim to explore what Megalorexia is, how it differs from other eating disorders, and the potential consequences of this disorder in adolescent boys and girls.

What is Megalorexia?

Megalorexia is a newly-conceptualized eating disorder, derived from the Greek word “megas” meaning “large.” Unlike common eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, Megalorexia is characterized by the desire to consume excessive quantities of food without the compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercising.

The symptoms of Megalorexia include the extreme obsession with food, overeating despite feeling full, preoccupation with meal planning, intense guilt or shame after eating, secretive eating habits, as well as depression and anxiety disorders.

The disorder can lead to physical and mental health consequences such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and gastrointestinal problems. It can also impact self-esteem, social life, and overall quality of life.

How Does Megalorexia Differ From Other Eating Disorders?

Megalorexia is different from other eating disorders in various ways. It is not as researched as other eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia since it is a newly conceptualized condition.

Megalorexia is not characterized by the desire to lose weight, unlike anorexia or bulimia. Instead, it is characterized by the excessive desire to eat, similar to binge eating disorder. Megalorexia lacks the compensatory behaviors such as purging and excessive exercising that are present in bulimia.

Why Adolescent Boys and Girls are at Risk?

Megalorexia can affect individuals of any age or gender. However, adolescents are particularly vulnerable to this rare eating disorder. According to a study conducted in Brazil, adolescents, primarily females, represent the most affected group.

Adolescents’ developmental stage involves significant body changes, making them more prone to experiencing body dissatisfaction and negative body image, which can lead to disordered eating behaviors.

Teenagers often feel pressure to conform to societal beauty norms and media images of “fit” body ideals. Adolescent boys often resort to disordered eating and undue emphasis on muscularity, which can lead to the development of Megalorexia.

A study by Mosley et al. found a significant correlation between muscle dysmorphia (an extreme dissatisfaction with body size and a need to bulk up excessively) and Megalorexia, suggesting that Megalorexia may be a unique expression of muscle dysmorphia.

The Consequences of Megalorexia

Disordered eating behaviors, including Megalorexia, can range from mild to severe and can lead to significant physical and psychological consequences.

Megalorexia can have detrimental outcomes, such as obesity, gastrointestinal problems, and cardiovascular diseases. The disorder may lead to depression, anxiety, social isolation, low self-esteem, and substance abuse disorders. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, Megalorexia may lead to the development of other eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder.

Adolescents struggling with Megalorexia are also at risk of developing other mental health disorders.

What Can Be Done to Help?

Addressing disordered eating behaviors, including Megalorexia, requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes medical providers, mental health providers, registered dietitians, and caregivers.

The approach should aim to reduce physical and mental health risks by promoting early identification and intervention. An initial screening is significant to evaluate the severity of symptoms and substances abuse pattern and medical complications.

The treatment of Megalorexia is similar to that of other eating disorders and includes nutritional counseling, medical supervision, supportive psychotherapy, and in some cases, medications.

Nutritional counseling and coaching are significant if the disorder causes nutritional deficiencies, weight changes, or pre-diabetic conditions.

The psychotherapy approach used in Megalorexia includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy.

A vital role in the therapy to enable change in Megalorexia behaviors lies in developing empathy and trust within oneself and the health care providers. At the same time, challenges may arise in the treatment because of cognitive rigidity and loss of insight in the disorder.

Awareness and Education Are Key Factors

Education, awareness, and debunking myths about disordered eating behaviors are essential in preventing and treating these conditions.

Teaching adolescents on healthy body acceptance, nutrition, assertiveness and coping skills reduce negative self-image. Moreover, education helps to identify the early signs of disordered eating behaviors for caregivers, teachers, and health professionals.

Preventing and treating Megalorexia involves a team approach to reduce the disorder’s severity and prevent further complications.

Adolescent boys and girls struggling with Megalorexia can recover with early intervention, motivation, and a supportive environment.