If you or someone you know is struggling with body dysmorphia or an eating d*sorder, please seek help from a qualified health professional or specialist. Remember, you don't have to go through this alone-support is available.
Shoutout to that 17 year old being open and honest, anorexia is a beast and that was the BEST description of it. I wish him so much health and happiness.
This is my favorite video you've done. My gf use to deal with anorexia, and I showed her this video because it's so rare to see a guy openly admit (beginning of the vid) to dealing with an eating disorder. She broke down in tears (happy tears) You need to eat.
Jesse Thankyou so much for this vid on this subject. Talking As a dad My daughter had this 8 years ago , it developed into anorexia . She spent 7 months in a secured hospital unit being watched and we were told she could have a heart attack at any time as her heart beat went down to 40 beats per minute. It was the worse time of our lives as a family. After being released she found the gym and never looked back. Now she looks amazing is engaged and has a 9 month old baby boy. I m so proud of her but that feeling is still there and there’s a fine line between feeling that way and going down the route of where my daughter went. This is why it’s so important that the media like yourself across the board promote healthy bodies come in many shapes and sizes not just the perfect aesthetic look because there’s a lot of young girls and boys that need to be assured they are not worthless or ugly because they dont have a six pack !! This is a huge topic. Again Thankyou for raising this issue. I nearly lost my daughter so you can imagine how watching this touched me and brought back memories. Your a top man Jesse, Dean
I’m so happy that your family and daughter survived and began to thrive and be well! It is hard on our families! I became anorexic when I was almost 11, back in 1970. My parents were exhausted trying to help. I’m okay today but my body dysmorphia flares up at times & I remember all the years of trying to look & feel different. Peace and blessings to your family🙏☮️
1:26 17 yo is being an amazing advocate. I work in a hospital as a dietitian and work with kids who have eating disorders that require treatment inpatient. It’s such an underestimated thing and it hurts my heart that kids kind of fall into it by accident because they thought they were going to get a certain result.
@Couldhavebeensomeone when you catch yourself at an angle that looks really similar to one of your before pics, you get scared because you in your mind you look just like yourself when you were small in that before pic...
From age 14 to 28 I struggled with bulimia & anorexia.... It literally took over half my life. That entire period was hospitals, impatient programs, residential centers, psych wards, etc.
I relate to this in the sense of persistent toxic shame, along with obsession with food. I have slight body dysmorphia but nothing severe and nothing that I’m even trying to actively get rid of right now because it’s not a current priority. I wish you all the interesting variety and richness and texture of life that comes after recovering from these sorts of obsessions - I can actually appreciate the beauty of sunsets sometimes now that I’m freer 😊
Thank you for using your platform to raise and discuss such a prevalent issue in the world of fitness 🙏 At just 21 years old I entered a bikini comp. I was so depleted and for the first time ever experienced anxiety as a result of the extremely low calories and hormonal disruptions it caused. I received no post-show care or reverse diet regime. I never saw or heard from my coach again after show day. So I ate, and ate, and ATE, compensating for the emotional damage and ultimately the starvation I'd experienced.. 2 weeks post show I was 21 lbs heavier and broke out in hives all over my body from the excessive amounts of sugar and UPF's I'd consumed. In hindsight I was absolutely experiencing disordered eating, including before and during the prep. I was lucky to have the awareness that I couldn't continue damaging my body like this, and then worked on my relationship to food and learned how to nourish my body properly, without caring about 'how I looked' and what my body fat % was. It's a rocky road that not everybody can bounce back from. PLEASE do your research before considering competing and REMEMBER that the MIND and SOUL work of resistance training is equal to, if not MORE important than the aesthetics of the sport.
well... it's all marketing to support their channels. They have taken the "build your body" dynamic as far as it can go. there is nothing left to say that hasn;t already been said... now everything is about the psychology of self image and "you don't have to look this way or that".... they are just keeping us watching them... and it works.
I remember cutting so hard last year that it was killing me, I was sticking with my diet, doing cardio everyday and working my full time physical labor job. I was stuck at 170 for about a month and never got down, and was depressed not seeing that number go down despite my lean physique. It got to a point where I was walking home and I had heavy brain fog and nearly passed out, and that was my wake up call to snap out of it. Please appreciate your progress and look how far you've come compared to where you started, and always compare yourself with yourself and improve.
I cut down from over 180 in the winter and realized I might be below 170 right now. I'm 34. I started upping my carbs again, and I can't believe how much more energy I have, how much stronger I feel, how much better my workouts are. Definitely not gonna do that heavy of a cut ever again.
@nullgeodesic9423 nah that was a year ago and I'm very much shredded and can even see my abs still when I bulk up lol. I'm just about to reach the end of this cut and have fun with the holiday bulk.
Dysmorphia comes from seeing fitness as a journey to perfection.. Once I started seeing it as a journey of consistency and improvement, I started loving the guy in the mirror. Pro Tip: I wore a shirt to the gym for 2 years. Now I don't wear stringers or show off. I have a sleeper build, and I like that I no longer compare
Body dismorphia for me is losing 41lbs of fat then wanting to lose another 10 after still seeing myself as fat and then wanting to lose another 10 until I'm single digit bf%. The thinner I get the fatter I feel.
dude, watch out for your health, that’s the number one priority. this sounds like it could very easily turn into very bad body dismorphia…if you feel really unhappy with your weight even if you’ve already lost a bunch go talk to someone about it! i wish you the best bro✌️
this is sort of how I started out before it turned into anorexia for me… not saying that’s you necessarily but be careful that’s exactly what I was thinking at that time
but you dont have body dysmorphia because you are aware that you are losing weight. If you had it, you wouldnt say you are losing weight because you would not believe you are, you would just see yourself fat and you wouldnt be aware of the reality.
Body Dysmorphia is a real thing nowadays unfortunately and I think a major part of this is bc of social media. Stop comparing yourself to others, compare yourself only to yourself, everyone is unique! Keep grinding and stay safe people :)
This is singularly your best video on your channel. My teenager and I have been watching a lot of your videos for the entertainment value and regular emotional vulnerability, but watching this video was something he REALLY needed to see right now... thanks for being a voice for it. o7
Thank you for making a video on this. Ive dealt with severe body dysmorphia my entire life. Ive always been extremely skinny, my cracked metabolism paired with my autism making me a picky eater always kept me around 130lbs at 6’1. My entire life ive been told by strangers and even more hurtfully family members that I don’t look right and i need to eat more despite gorging myself to the point of discomfort throughout multiple phases of my life. Im now 24, still struggle with body dysmorphia of course but ive gotten it much more under control. I just begun a workout journey around 3 weeks ago. Im up 10 pounds and already putting on muscle, and i am so content with how i look despite knowing my goal is to get up another 20-30 lbs. Difference between now and all the other times is that im actually doing it for me now, before i was doing it for others views on me with the facade of me just doing it for me. Body dysmorphia is a bitch at times, but just remember you’re beautiful no matter how you look. Your mind is always going to point out every little negative about you and none of the positives.
“Unnoticeable to others” True….true. No one actually cares. We are each on our own journeys and struggles. We have such a tendency to look externally rather than internally at our own real value/purpose/and meaning. In short: (as goofy as it sounds) we are all beautiful as we are each unique. There is only one you in the entire universe. Never before and never again. That alone speaks of a profound beauty. Live well dudes.
That’s the reason I train for mental and focused on my performance instead of over obsessing about my physique and just be grateful for being fit and healthy.
I've always been a skinny guy and 4 years ago I decided to change all that. Yet no matter how much I've changed or how often people tell me I've changed, I look at that mirror and its still the same guy. Im working through it and just not taking this whole thing so seriously. Make it a part of life, but don't make it life itself. Awesome vid Jesse!
You mean after four years you still don't see any muscular development in your traps, delts, pecs, or legs? If there's been no progress, or very slow progress, perhaps it's time to think about alternative supplements.
Damn, this video hit hard! Over the last four years, my weight has fluctuated. I initially lost 6/7 stone in the first two years (during covid), dropping from a 38" waist to a 30/31" waist, and felt really confident - the best I’ve ever felt, both physically and mentally. However, the past two years have been a massive mental struggle with body dysmorphia. Even though I now wear small/medium sizes, I still feel like I’m wearing XXL, which is crazy. Annoyingly, this has consumed 100% of my time, and I haven’t been happy with my appearance, although people would disagree! As a result, I’ve developed a really bad eating disorder. Even though I know this is all in my head and I’m working on it, I’m struggling to snap out of it! Thanks for bringing awareness!
This was such an outstanding video, Jesse. You nailed the topic of body dysmorphia perfectly. Loved hearing it from a man's perspective. Keep being the incredible energy bolt that you are.
Love the idea of hitting friendship, relationship, and life PRs. That's what lifting is really all about for me. And also love dr. mike's "time in the sun" analogy. Positive self talk is key and so is using what you do in the gym to be better in life.
This is a great video. Alot of people suffer from this, but i love how you show the people there is help out there and you show the problems, especially with the fitness industry. I love your videos and keep up the great content ❤
I’m nearing 10 years into my weightlifting life, and body dysmorphia affected me really badly when I was 3-5 years into it. It still affects me now, but I think I know myself better, my genetics better, and also how my body looks and feels at different fat %’s. I’m also at a stage in my life where I can’t train as hard or as often as I’m used to. I’ve had to adjust my goals around strength and physique given I am now a father of 2 kids (2y9m & 8m), so their needs do outweigh my own. My message is always grind hard, strive to be your best version of you, and celebrate your own progress, not belittle it in comparison to the Instagram influencer.
This is why you don’t do steroids. Take it from someone who has abused gear for decades. The first time I ever ran a cycle I said I’d just do low dose test for 12 weeks and that would be it. I cared to mouth about my health. The truth is, it never works that way. You’re never happy with your physique. You want more and more. Just say no.
@@inerti4 one leads to overtraining, mental disorders, insecurity, æting disorders, and chronic stress. Seems to shorten life almost as much, but doesnt garner any results anyway.
Absolutely 100! I'm a 52yo. alcoholic, been sober for 646 days now. Made the choice to live my best life and took action. The point is, your never to old to love who you are and live in the sun.
Jesse this is an amazing video and I applaud you for having the courage to making it. I love how open an honest everyone was. As a middle age man topics like this were seldom talked about. I truly wish you and your content were around two decades ago when I was a young man entering the bodybuilding world. I would have made some VERY DIFFERENT decisions in my life that have negatively impacted me since. I hope this reaches as many younger men as possible to prevent lifelong struggles with body dysmorphia. You're beautiful the way you were ladies and gents!!!
I suffered with an ED for years. Was basically into extreme exercise and bullimia I have now been free from it for like 3 years. Thanks for bringing this up. It’s even worse now because of social media everywhere. I didn’t have much social media when i was growing up but it was still out there. Its definitely way more prevalent now and it affects all genders! I would go to the gym for 4-5 hours a day and wouldnt leave until I would burn every single calorie I ate that day. It took a toll on me. Then I ended up later on being diagnosed with pcos and went the complete opposite way after my dad passed away and gained soo much weight from Stress eating. It’s really hard That we are soo stuck in what is considered “Aesthetically pleasing” according to “societal norms”
@@AlphaSigmaRichManHave you talked to a doctor, a psychiatrist or a licensed psychotherapist about this? Eating disorders are complex mental health issues, there's probably no "easy" fix for this. Personally, things like intuitive eating, learning emotion regulation skills and strengthening my sense of self-worth are often quite helpful. Tbh, dealing with my deeper issues with the help of psychotherapy has proven to be the most important part of my recovery.
@@AlphaSigmaRichMan Why can't you talk to a professional? There's probably a lot of self-help communities online that you could check out. Personally, i'd recommend checking out self-help groups in your area as well as seeking help from your existing relationships. Do you have a friend or a family member you could talk to about this?
Thank you for diving into the body dysmorphia disorder. I had anorexia nervosa that began when I was almost 11, in 1970, and the doctor who saw me “threatened” me, that he would send me to a psychiatrist if I didn’t start gaining weight. I was never treated for it but I did my research. I didn’t realize until my 40’s that I had body dysmorphia. I began lifting weights when I was 22, just to look better, but it became ridiculous! I lifted weights, ran, rode bikes, power walked, swam and restricted my food intake. I wasn’t lifting to get big, but rather for sculpting my muscles, I was lean & strong for years. I went to the gym where some competitive body builders worked out, in the 80’s, & I knew they were taking steroids. One guy passed away in his late 30’s from his use. Thank you so much♥️. Men & women die from these disorders & from using the steroids to get big fast. I hope someone sees this episode & gets help or says no to steroids.✌️💪
Thank you, because of this video I made the decision to get help, I spent a lot of time with bulimia and dysmorphia, but thanks to the support and videos like this I have been moving forward.
Jesse this is by far the best video you've ever made and on such an important topic. Body dysmorphia affects so many people and seeing you make such an amazing video addressing it is so inspiring. You are awesome ❤
This is one of the best videos out there it shows a mini-documentary while also explaining very well that the issue sometimes is just in are brain and how we lose control on are true objection and goals in life.
Thank you for this! I have body dysmorphia and so does my husband. My husband more so because he was in body building and did competitions so I never understood how bad it was for him. It’s gotten better over the years as we help each other. But this defiantly helped me understand more so of how he might feel. This opened up a new layer of communication for us so thank you so much❤️
Great approach to the topic! Jesse is so down to earth and personable, he helps people speak authentically. Learning to love yourself -and all of your imperfections- is the most beautiful thing you can do. All these people in your video are my heroes, esp Larry Wheels -such a cool dude, whether he competes or not, you can tell he's just so authentic and happy.
I'm just beginning to get back into shape after taking many years off due to stresses in life, and I really needed this video before continuing to get into shape. (I'm still gonna go hard but ill try and remember to have fun too)
I think it's important to define what body dysmorphia is. It's way more nuanced than this video would lead you to believe! Having body parts that you think can be better but being overall happy with the progress that one has made would be different than having body dysmorphia. it would be a shame to think a video like this would give people the wrong impression about what a serious issue body dysmorphia is
I came here to say something very similar. I think what Jesse describes for the most part is an issue of what perfection is. To me Jesse whips his shirt off far too many times in his videos to have true body dysmorphia. Whereas I struggle with even getting changed at the gym even though alot of guys would say I’m in great shape.
This, like most things, is a matter of degree. Thinking that there are things about your body you'd change is one thing, being pathologically obsessed with every perceived flaw is another.
@@divdo1You don’t get to define what dysmorphia is for someone else. Mans just spilled his heart out in this video and you think, he’s too pretty to have real problems?
I've seen a bunch of your videos, Jesse, and I'm a beginner on this journey at 29 years old. I got a couple years extra of 'living life to the fullest' and I fully intend to take this sustainable. My goal was aesthetics and longevity, and a lot of your earlier videos did speak to me as well. But this one, this is the one where I subscribed to your channel. (apologies for the delay) I was exactly afraid of getting too deep into it. And this video certainly helped. Thank you for sending your community in a positive direction. Much love.
Your channel popped up for me a few days ago after I started at the local gym here. I've been over 300lbs since mid teens. with 2 moments where i dropped down to 275lbs but quickly gained wait again. I have been trying to convince myself to join a gym for the past few years and since one opened in my hometown now about the time I moved back to it. I just now a year later finally signed up and im 3 days in. I know its probably extreme for me to go hard the first three days but I also have found my limits currently and am easing that limit higher. Just today on the 3rd day I was doing some horizontal pulls with the dumbbells and i started with 20lbs a few days ago. I can now do 25lbs. I am watching my diet and the calories. Watching your videos and some other channels has been a great inspiration. To be honest i seen ya pop up and thought you were gonna be annoying young gym bro. You genuinely seem like a positive and fun dude. So obviously something in the back of my mind threw some negativity into the thought lol. Thanks for this video too. I've known for years I've dealt with some body dysmorphia.
I just ended a month away from the gym because i was extremely fit, but no matter how fit i got i had to push myself harder, get stronger, beat my PR’s…
@@Pikawarps yeah once you start feeling overwhelmed like it's never enough and you can't reach the insane goals you set for yourself, and you no longer have fun, you're just overdoing it. Gym is GREAT but there's more to life than just working out of course
Love these videos. Avid gym goer and love how you talk about issues that us avid gym goers deal with. I know I've had body dysmorphoria for sure in the past. It kills me how people can't see how great they look. Cause you look great. Crazy how you dealt with dysmorphoria too.
Coming to this video after watching the obesity one. Its just very interesting to see that when people have body dysmorphia and use it to fuel a body building careee its lauded and applauded. But when people have body dysmorphia and are stuck in a cycle of eating rather than working out... it's blasted as "terrible" and people are shamed for it. Anyway, interesting videos and i appreciate the honest discussions.
watching anime like dragon ball, jojo or one piece cause me a severe body dysmorfia and i feeled this for 1 year. i don't understand why everyone says to me that im jacked (girls too). but i feel so skinny. so is stopped comparing my self to people and i feel more confident about my self.
I am a very thin person, almost a year ago I gained about 27 pounds of muscle mass and although I was very proud of my progress I saw myself in the mirror and I felt like a skeleton, the same or worse than before. Now I see my changes worthy of being loved and celebrated even if they are small, there are always ups and downs but I try to keep my thoughts realistic and positive. Take care everyone, take care of your loved ones.
the way I get back on top of my body dysmorphia is I just go to a public swimming pool and see how far ahead my body is of everyone elses ( I understand that that is kinda toxic but it is a way that I get out of it and it works for me so yeah)
There is nothing toxic about it, flaunt it, even be arrogant about it if you want Be happy that you have at least a B Tier physique that you could call your own
I am 54. I suffer from this since I was 12 or so. I was called fat as a kid and made fun of. I started lifting at 14. So for 40 years I have done this. I have 18 inch biceps, a 48 inch chest. I am 5’9”. I work out 2 hours a day 5-7 days a week. I basically have a wrestler body. My wife said that I am fat and kind of disgusting… after 40 years of battling this crap, at one time about 5% body fat, severe depression, I am back to this again. Don’t know what to say. The fight is real, it never goes away. People suck.
lowkey, i wanna say thank you for posting this. i feel like body dismorphia is rarely talked about and it genuinely does effect so many people, so thank you for being awesome❤️
In most cases your body is an exact reflection of where your values, morals and standards of living are. In most cases, your body reflects your lifestyle. Period.
Jesse, just wanted to let you know your positivity through adversity gives me strength and resilience to go through my day with the best foot forward! Thank you, bro.
Humans focus too much on their appearance with mirrors, cameras, and photos, unlike animals that only see themselves in reflections like water. This constant self-viewing shifts our focus from feeling strong or accomplished to just how we look, letting our eyes define our worth more than our achievements.
Amazing video. The thing that really helped me get rid of my body dysmorphia is changing my focus from how my body looks to what it can do. Like competing for boxing and hyrox.
I'm so glad you got to talk to so many pro body builders/fitness influencers and they all seem very genuine. Shout out to Patty (go beef!)!! My #1 motivation and fitness inspiration ;)
@JesseJamesWest - this is a great video - and I just want to say not just body builders - I am "older" and as I have aged I have a hard time not comparing myself to my 20's, 30's, and even 40's - Although I know (I do) for my age I am in great shape - I still judge myself everyday. It goes past just this - but I struggle that my current max is my old working set weight, my marathon times have gotten slower, and I have lost my explosiveness - I find its a constant compression to my younger self. Great video.
If you or someone you know is struggling with body dysmorphia or an eating d*sorder, please seek help from a qualified health professional or specialist. Remember, you don't have to go through this alone-support is available.
Yes first
OIL UP JAMEY BOY
BANGERRRRR
Love you jesse
Me😢
“The day you decide to get big is the day you become forever small” - Dom Mazetti
POW! POW!
'Machine gun noises'
I was about to comment this lmao, glad you already did
ua-cam.com/users/shortsZHvLsb6Idts
“Body dysmorphia is when you can’t look at yourself and look at yourself in the mirror at the same time.” - dom
Shoutout to that 17 year old being open and honest, anorexia is a beast and that was the BEST description of it. I wish him so much health and happiness.
Love the mental health focus, thank you for shedding light on this
I appreciate u man
@@JesseJamesWestno I appreciate YOU man
Do excercise with David goggins
@@JesseJamesWest do excercise with David goggins
yawn mental health crap.
This is my favorite video you've done. My gf use to deal with anorexia, and I showed her this video because it's so rare to see a guy openly admit (beginning of the vid) to dealing with an eating disorder. She broke down in tears (happy tears)
You need to eat.
i also struggled with anorexia and lean beef patty did in the past too. thankyou for this btw
@@sttrop3zpartygirl I hope you're getting over that mental hurdle. I know it's not easy.
@ thankyou, i hope things are well for you and your gf
Jesse Thankyou so much for this vid on this subject. Talking As a dad My daughter had this 8 years ago , it developed into anorexia . She spent 7 months in a secured hospital unit being watched and we were told she could have a heart attack at any time as her heart beat went down to 40 beats per minute. It was the worse time of our lives as a family.
After being released she found the gym and never looked back. Now she looks amazing is engaged and has a 9 month old baby boy. I m so proud of her but that feeling is still there and there’s a fine line between feeling that way and going down the route of where my daughter went. This is why it’s so important that the media like yourself across the board promote healthy bodies come in many shapes and sizes not just the perfect aesthetic look because there’s a lot of young girls and boys that need to be assured they are not worthless or ugly because they dont have a six pack !! This is a huge topic. Again Thankyou for raising this issue. I nearly lost my daughter so you can imagine how watching this touched me and brought back memories. Your a top man Jesse, Dean
Glad to know she's fine
I’m so happy that your family and daughter survived and began to thrive and be well! It is hard on our families! I became anorexic when I was almost 11, back in 1970. My parents were exhausted trying to help. I’m okay today but my body dysmorphia flares up at times & I remember all the years of trying to look & feel different. Peace and blessings to your family🙏☮️
@@Justauser-i9mthankyou x
@@bayoubabe6698thankyou so much I appreciate it x
@DeanEvans-i4y of course! Your family deserves all the peace you can have🥰
The grandpa at 1:15 really shows you what true body positivity looks like
No one can take for granted that they even have a chance to be like that in their 70s 😎
Bro stayed consistent
he is the real og
Yeah tho he would never have gotten like that if he would always be fine with it...innit?
Grandpa looking joocy
1:26 17 yo is being an amazing advocate. I work in a hospital as a dietitian and work with kids who have eating disorders that require treatment inpatient. It’s such an underestimated thing and it hurts my heart that kids kind of fall into it by accident because they thought they were going to get a certain result.
Both under eating and over eating is an issue right now. Though I’d say over eating is still the biggest one in the west.
I’m the kid in the video and I’m so grateful for those who work to help with kids who get eating disorders. All those worked with en were amazing.
Comparison is the thief of joy
Even if you're comparing who you used to be.
@Couldhavebeensomeone when you catch yourself at an angle that looks really similar to one of your before pics, you get scared because you in your mind you look just like yourself when you were small in that before pic...
Comparison = enemy of happiness
Happiness = enemy of gains
Enemy of my enemy = friends
Therefore comparison = gainz
The guy named joy:
Compassion*
From age 14 to 28 I struggled with bulimia & anorexia.... It literally took over half my life.
That entire period was hospitals, impatient programs, residential centers, psych wards, etc.
I relate to this in the sense of persistent toxic shame, along with obsession with food. I have slight body dysmorphia but nothing severe and nothing that I’m even trying to actively get rid of right now because it’s not a current priority. I wish you all the interesting variety and richness and texture of life that comes after recovering from these sorts of obsessions - I can actually appreciate the beauty of sunsets sometimes now that I’m freer 😊
The pessimist says it took over half of my life. The optimist says I still have half of my life left. 🦁🦁🦁Stay strong, brother.
It's the youth maxing , dumb society focusing on the first 25-30 years of their life when you still have 50+ to live ..
That 72 year old was JACKED bro, so happy for him haha
Still no collab with Jesse James east? 😤😭
lol fr
East is just for bed work ig
OG’s know the Jesse James North is the guy
@@PlutoMonkey-rr5hd I agree with you pluto
Lol
More dysmorphic than last time. Bodybuilding can be dangerous. Be careful.
You’re so annoying Greg lmao
@@Lharris94shush little boy, his comment was speaking facts, be salty somewhere else.
make a vid on this
Be careful from people like greg the juice seller
@@adamap3x712oh dont you worry about that 😂
That dysmorphia is what kept me in the gym for 50 yrs, in my eighties and still kicking.
Thank you for using your platform to raise and discuss such a prevalent issue in the world of fitness 🙏 At just 21 years old I entered a bikini comp. I was so depleted and for the first time ever experienced anxiety as a result of the extremely low calories and hormonal disruptions it caused. I received no post-show care or reverse diet regime. I never saw or heard from my coach again after show day.
So I ate, and ate, and ATE, compensating for the emotional damage and ultimately the starvation I'd experienced.. 2 weeks post show I was 21 lbs heavier and broke out in hives all over my body from the excessive amounts of sugar and UPF's I'd consumed. In hindsight I was absolutely experiencing disordered eating, including before and during the prep. I was lucky to have the awareness that I couldn't continue damaging my body like this, and then worked on my relationship to food and learned how to nourish my body properly, without caring about 'how I looked' and what my body fat % was.
It's a rocky road that not everybody can bounce back from. PLEASE do your research before considering competing and REMEMBER that the MIND and SOUL work of resistance training is equal to, if not MORE important than the aesthetics of the sport.
most coaches are money-grabbing vermin
social media is poison.
True, but it's also friends, the people at the gym, people doing the same hobby, athletes, actors, your past self, etc.
well... it's all marketing to support their channels. They have taken the "build your body" dynamic as far as it can go. there is nothing left to say that hasn;t already been said... now everything is about the psychology of self image and "you don't have to look this way or that".... they are just keeping us watching them... and it works.
i have almost completly quitted it exept for sometimes you tube and it was one of the best decisions
and yet you all still use it. AMAZING. like knowing Heroin is bad and saying openly its bad, but still taking it. Creatures of madness you all are.
Yep i deleted mine bc of body shaming myself and how addictive it was
When you pulled in Dr. Mike at the end, we were all like “Avengers, assemble!”.
I remember cutting so hard last year that it was killing me, I was sticking with my diet, doing cardio everyday and working my full time physical labor job. I was stuck at 170 for about a month and never got down, and was depressed not seeing that number go down despite my lean physique. It got to a point where I was walking home and I had heavy brain fog and nearly passed out, and that was my wake up call to snap out of it. Please appreciate your progress and look how far you've come compared to where you started, and always compare yourself with yourself and improve.
Thank you
I cut down from over 180 in the winter and realized I might be below 170 right now. I'm 34. I started upping my carbs again, and I can't believe how much more energy I have, how much stronger I feel, how much better my workouts are. Definitely not gonna do that heavy of a cut ever again.
That's when you hop on clen and watch the fat melt (and try to ignore the shakes and heart palpitations)
@nullgeodesic9423 nah that was a year ago and I'm very much shredded and can even see my abs still when I bulk up lol. I'm just about to reach the end of this cut and have fun with the holiday bulk.
I had a similar experience, though it was at 125lbs. (im 5'7). Yeah, Im 135 now so I snapped out of it
I love that Jesse is tackling these difficult topics and talking to these people and taking their stories seriously and with empathy.
Thank you for this
Dysmorphia comes from seeing fitness as a journey to perfection..
Once I started seeing it as a journey of consistency and improvement, I started loving the guy in the mirror.
Pro Tip: I wore a shirt to the gym for 2 years. Now I don't wear stringers or show off. I have a sleeper build, and I like that I no longer compare
Great advice! 👍🏻😎
You’re the guy❤
Body dismorphia for me is losing 41lbs of fat then wanting to lose another 10 after still seeing myself as fat and then wanting to lose another 10 until I'm single digit bf%. The thinner I get the fatter I feel.
That's why experts advise the use objective measurements, keeping records, etc.
I can relate with this bro! let's enjoy the journey and be happy with the results
dude, watch out for your health, that’s the number one priority. this sounds like it could very easily turn into very bad body dismorphia…if you feel really unhappy with your weight even if you’ve already lost a bunch go talk to someone about it! i wish you the best bro✌️
this is sort of how I started out before it turned into anorexia for me… not saying that’s you necessarily but be careful that’s exactly what I was thinking at that time
but you dont have body dysmorphia because you are aware that you are losing weight. If you had it, you wouldnt say you are losing weight because you would not believe you are, you would just see yourself fat and you wouldnt be aware of the reality.
Body Dysmorphia is a real thing nowadays unfortunately and I think a major part of this is bc of social media. Stop comparing yourself to others, compare yourself only to yourself, everyone is unique! Keep grinding and stay safe people :)
100%
So true and, yet, so difficult to do.
This is singularly your best video on your channel. My teenager and I have been watching a lot of your videos for the entertainment value and regular emotional vulnerability, but watching this video was something he REALLY needed to see right now... thanks for being a voice for it. o7
Thank you for making a video on this. Ive dealt with severe body dysmorphia my entire life. Ive always been extremely skinny, my cracked metabolism paired with my autism making me a picky eater always kept me around 130lbs at 6’1.
My entire life ive been told by strangers and even more hurtfully family members that I don’t look right and i need to eat more despite gorging myself to the point of discomfort throughout multiple phases of my life.
Im now 24, still struggle with body dysmorphia of course but ive gotten it much more under control. I just begun a workout journey around 3 weeks ago. Im up 10 pounds and already putting on muscle, and i am so content with how i look despite knowing my goal is to get up another 20-30 lbs.
Difference between now and all the other times is that im actually doing it for me now, before i was doing it for others views on me with the facade of me just doing it for me.
Body dysmorphia is a bitch at times, but just remember you’re beautiful no matter how you look. Your mind is always going to point out every little negative about you and none of the positives.
“Unnoticeable to others”
True….true.
No one actually cares.
We are each on our own journeys and struggles. We have such a tendency to look externally rather than internally at our own real value/purpose/and meaning.
In short: (as goofy as it sounds) we are all beautiful as we are each unique. There is only one you in the entire universe. Never before and never again. That alone speaks of a profound beauty.
Live well dudes.
"Never before and never again" - that's such a beautiful way to put it... I agree with you 😢
Comparison is the thief of joy - in so many others things too, not just our bodies!
True bro. Literally no one gives a shit what you look like.
@@SuomenPaska yes. And unfortunately easy to engage in.
Well put friend!
there is always that amazing quote "comparison is the thief of joy" don't compare yourself to other people because they are them and you are you.
"perfectionism is a mental illness, you chase something that doesnt exist"
Solution
That’s the reason I train for mental and focused on my performance instead of over obsessing about my physique and just be grateful for being fit and healthy.
tbh I’m more surprised by how open strangers were to admitting this. Totally admirable. Shows the support in body building
Thanks for the interview at Muscle Beach ! I’m Vincent the guy with French accent 🇫🇷❤️
🫶🏿
I've always been a skinny guy and 4 years ago I decided to change all that. Yet no matter how much I've changed or how often people tell me I've changed, I look at that mirror and its still the same guy. Im working through it and just not taking this whole thing so seriously. Make it a part of life, but don't make it life itself. Awesome vid Jesse!
You mean after four years you still don't see any muscular development in your traps, delts, pecs, or legs? If there's been no progress, or very slow progress, perhaps it's time to think about alternative supplements.
@@VernCrislerperhaps you both just don't know how to eat right and train enough
@@gur262I think he is saying he is much bigger, but when HE looks in the mirror he still sees his old self.
Damn, this video hit hard!
Over the last four years, my weight has fluctuated. I initially lost 6/7 stone in the first two years (during covid), dropping from a 38" waist to a 30/31" waist, and felt really confident - the best I’ve ever felt, both physically and mentally. However, the past two years have been a massive mental struggle with body dysmorphia. Even though I now wear small/medium sizes, I still feel like I’m wearing XXL, which is crazy. Annoyingly, this has consumed 100% of my time, and I haven’t been happy with my appearance, although people would disagree! As a result, I’ve developed a really bad eating disorder. Even though I know this is all in my head and I’m working on it, I’m struggling to snap out of it!
Thanks for bringing awareness!
This was such an outstanding video, Jesse. You nailed the topic of body dysmorphia perfectly. Loved hearing it from a man's perspective. Keep being the incredible energy bolt that you are.
Thank for this video Jesse! Been on a really bad dismorphia years ago and I appreciate what you are doing for the community.
An Italian fan.
Simon
So glad we have some positive influencers at the top of the fitness game now. It was so toxic when i was a young lifter. Bless you Jesse
Love the idea of hitting friendship, relationship, and life PRs. That's what lifting is really all about for me. And also love dr. mike's "time in the sun" analogy. Positive self talk is key and so is using what you do in the gym to be better in life.
This is a great video. Alot of people suffer from this, but i love how you show the people there is help out there and you show the problems, especially with the fitness industry. I love your videos and keep up the great content ❤
Love you man
I’m nearing 10 years into my weightlifting life, and body dysmorphia affected me really badly when I was 3-5 years into it. It still affects me now, but I think I know myself better, my genetics better, and also how my body looks and feels at different fat %’s.
I’m also at a stage in my life where I can’t train as hard or as often as I’m used to. I’ve had to adjust my goals around strength and physique given I am now a father of 2 kids (2y9m & 8m), so their needs do outweigh my own.
My message is always grind hard, strive to be your best version of you, and celebrate your own progress, not belittle it in comparison to the Instagram influencer.
Video Idea:
24 hours with David Goggins
SIM
1:15 🗿 Causally Killed.
Totally
Surprisingly wholesome for bodybuilding content lol.
Negative self-talk is learned but it can be unlearned.
This is why you don’t do steroids. Take it from someone who has abused gear for decades. The first time I ever ran a cycle I said I’d just do low dose test for 12 weeks and that would be it. I cared to mouth about my health. The truth is, it never works that way. You’re never happy with your physique. You want more and more. Just say no.
But that's true of being natty, too.
@@VernCrisler One shortens your life span, the other does not.
@@VernCrisler yeah but you're not competing against yourself in an enhanced state, the difference won't be that radical
@@inerti4 How do you know which one? What randomized human trials?
@@inerti4 one leads to overtraining, mental disorders, insecurity, æting disorders, and chronic stress.
Seems to shorten life almost as much, but doesnt garner any results anyway.
Absolutely 100! I'm a 52yo. alcoholic, been sober for 646 days now. Made the choice to live my best life and took action. The point is, your never to old to love who you are and live in the sun.
Jesse this is an amazing video and I applaud you for having the courage to making it. I love how open an honest everyone was. As a middle age man topics like this were seldom talked about. I truly wish you and your content were around two decades ago when I was a young man entering the bodybuilding world. I would have made some VERY DIFFERENT decisions in my life that have negatively impacted me since. I hope this reaches as many younger men as possible to prevent lifelong struggles with body dysmorphia. You're beautiful the way you were ladies and gents!!!
To be honest, I didn't expect this video to become so deep, honest and raw. You did a great job!!!
I suffered with an ED for years. Was basically into extreme exercise and bullimia I have now been free from it for like 3 years. Thanks for bringing this up. It’s even worse now because of social media everywhere. I didn’t have much social media when i was growing up but it was still out there. Its definitely way more prevalent now and it affects all genders! I would go to the gym for 4-5 hours a day and wouldnt leave until I would burn every single calorie I ate that day. It took a toll on me. Then I ended up later on being diagnosed with pcos and went the complete opposite way after my dad passed away and gained soo much weight from
Stress eating. It’s really hard
That we are soo stuck in what is considered “Aesthetically pleasing” according to “societal norms”
Solution? I'm 18, any advice for me now
@@AlphaSigmaRichManHave you talked to a doctor, a psychiatrist or a licensed psychotherapist about this? Eating disorders are complex mental health issues, there's probably no "easy" fix for this. Personally, things like intuitive eating, learning emotion regulation skills and strengthening my sense of self-worth are often quite helpful. Tbh, dealing with my deeper issues with the help of psychotherapy has proven to be the most important part of my recovery.
@@kk-fo3zx i can't. Pls help
@@AlphaSigmaRichMan Why can't you talk to a professional?
There's probably a lot of self-help communities online that you could check out. Personally, i'd recommend checking out self-help groups in your area as well as seeking help from your existing relationships. Do you have a friend or a family member you could talk to about this?
@@kk-fo3zx unfortunately no. I'm only 18, I fapped a lot till now & did so many stupid activities with my body, hurting myself
I have loose skin after losing 100 pounds and the body dysmorphia can get very dark sometimes
That's a huge accomplishment man!!
@@JesseJamesWest appreciate you, your vids complimented my workouts damn-near every day 💪🏻
Thank you for diving into the body dysmorphia disorder. I had anorexia nervosa that began when I was almost 11, in 1970, and the doctor who saw me “threatened” me, that he would send me to a psychiatrist if I didn’t start gaining weight. I was never treated for it but I did my research. I didn’t realize until my 40’s that I had body dysmorphia. I began lifting weights when I was 22, just to look better, but it became ridiculous! I lifted weights, ran, rode bikes, power walked, swam and restricted my food intake. I wasn’t lifting to get big, but rather for sculpting my muscles, I was lean & strong for years. I went to the gym where some competitive body builders worked out, in the 80’s, & I knew they were taking steroids. One guy passed away in his late 30’s from his use. Thank you so much♥️. Men & women die from these disorders & from using the steroids to get big fast. I hope someone sees this episode & gets help or says no to steroids.✌️💪
Thank you, because of this video I made the decision to get help, I spent a lot of time with bulimia and dysmorphia, but thanks to the support and videos like this I have been moving forward.
Powerful message, a lot of people needed to hear this! Thank you Jesse for opening up and making this video!
Thanks Jesse for this video this is really important to know for mental health
These are the videos that make the channel awesome. More of this please!
Jesse this is by far the best video you've ever made and on such an important topic. Body dysmorphia affects so many people and seeing you make such an amazing video addressing it is so inspiring. You are awesome ❤
This is one of the best videos out there it shows a mini-documentary while also explaining very well that the issue sometimes is just in are brain and how we lose control on are true objection and goals in life.
Time to eat🙏🏽
Eat well bud!!
I'm so glad I watched this. Post competition I actually did seek therapy. Suddenly don't feel so alone with how I was feeling anymore.
Thank you for this! I have body dysmorphia and so does my husband. My husband more so because he was in body building and did competitions so I never understood how bad it was for him. It’s gotten better over the years as we help each other. But this defiantly helped me understand more so of how he might feel. This opened up a new layer of communication for us so thank you so much❤️
Great approach to the topic! Jesse is so down to earth and personable, he helps people speak authentically. Learning to love yourself -and all of your imperfections- is the most beautiful thing you can do. All these people in your video are my heroes, esp Larry Wheels -such a cool dude, whether he competes or not, you can tell he's just so authentic and happy.
This just became my favorite video hands down. I struggle with this every single day to where I barely want to eat. Thank you 🙏🏽
I'm just beginning to get back into shape after taking many years off due to stresses in life, and I really needed this video before continuing to get into shape. (I'm still gonna go hard but ill try and remember to have fun too)
I think it's important to define what body dysmorphia is. It's way more nuanced than this video would lead you to believe! Having body parts that you think can be better but being overall happy with the progress that one has made would be different than having body dysmorphia. it would be a shame to think a video like this would give people the wrong impression about what a serious issue body dysmorphia is
I came here to say something very similar. I think what Jesse describes for the most part is an issue of what perfection is. To me Jesse whips his shirt off far too many times in his videos to have true body dysmorphia. Whereas I struggle with even getting changed at the gym even though alot of guys would say I’m in great shape.
@@divdo1I hardly take my shirt off when at the beach or swimming pool. I’m in decent shape for my age, but I just can’t do it.
This, like most things, is a matter of degree. Thinking that there are things about your body you'd change is one thing, being pathologically obsessed with every perceived flaw is another.
@@divdo1You don’t get to define what dysmorphia is for someone else. Mans just spilled his heart out in this video and you think, he’s too pretty to have real problems?
@@MeoCulpa didn’t say that
I've seen a bunch of your videos, Jesse, and I'm a beginner on this journey at 29 years old. I got a couple years extra of 'living life to the fullest' and I fully intend to take this sustainable. My goal was aesthetics and longevity, and a lot of your earlier videos did speak to me as well.
But this one, this is the one where I subscribed to your channel. (apologies for the delay)
I was exactly afraid of getting too deep into it. And this video certainly helped.
Thank you for sending your community in a positive direction.
Much love.
Ohhhh! You sweet boys touched my heart. Self-love and acceptance to all these big babies. We are all just kids that need love.
Your channel popped up for me a few days ago after I started at the local gym here. I've been over 300lbs since mid teens. with 2 moments where i dropped down to 275lbs but quickly gained wait again. I have been trying to convince myself to join a gym for the past few years and since one opened in my hometown now about the time I moved back to it. I just now a year later finally signed up and im 3 days in. I know its probably extreme for me to go hard the first three days but I also have found my limits currently and am easing that limit higher. Just today on the 3rd day I was doing some horizontal pulls with the dumbbells and i started with 20lbs a few days ago. I can now do 25lbs. I am watching my diet and the calories. Watching your videos and some other channels has been a great inspiration. To be honest i seen ya pop up and thought you were gonna be annoying young gym bro. You genuinely seem like a positive and fun dude. So obviously something in the back of my mind threw some negativity into the thought lol. Thanks for this video too. I've known for years I've dealt with some body dysmorphia.
Somebody once said “comparison is the thief of joy.”
Almost hitting the 5 million subs Jesse..!!!! That's so freaking awesome..😃👌🏻
If your motivation turns into desperation; take a break
I just ended a month away from the gym because i was extremely fit, but no matter how fit i got i had to push myself harder, get stronger, beat my PR’s…
@@Pikawarps yeah once you start feeling overwhelmed like it's never enough and you can't reach the insane goals you set for yourself, and you no longer have fun, you're just overdoing it. Gym is GREAT but there's more to life than just working out of course
Love these videos. Avid gym goer and love how you talk about issues that us avid gym goers deal with. I know I've had body dysmorphoria for sure in the past. It kills me how people can't see how great they look. Cause you look great. Crazy how you dealt with dysmorphoria too.
Coming to this video after watching the obesity one. Its just very interesting to see that when people have body dysmorphia and use it to fuel a body building careee its lauded and applauded. But when people have body dysmorphia and are stuck in a cycle of eating rather than working out... it's blasted as "terrible" and people are shamed for it.
Anyway, interesting videos and i appreciate the honest discussions.
Thanks Jesse. I’m 52 and I am still having issues with body dysmorphia. It’s a big deal.
The Tyler olivera of the bodybuilding community
watching anime like dragon ball, jojo or one piece cause me a severe body dysmorfia and i feeled this for 1 year. i don't understand why everyone says to me that im jacked (girls too). but i feel so skinny. so is stopped comparing my self to people and i feel more confident about my self.
The best Video that i have seen this year, so far. Cheers from Brazil.
I am a very thin person, almost a year ago I gained about 27 pounds of muscle mass and although I was very proud of my progress I saw myself in the mirror and I felt like a skeleton, the same or worse than before. Now I see my changes worthy of being loved and celebrated even if they are small, there are always ups and downs but I try to keep my thoughts realistic and positive. Take care everyone, take care of your loved ones.
Time To Eat!!
yessir
ACTUALLY GOATED VIDEO
the way I get back on top of my body dysmorphia is I just go to a public swimming pool and see how far ahead my body is of everyone elses ( I understand that that is kinda toxic but it is a way that I get out of it and it works for me so yeah)
There is nothing toxic about it, flaunt it, even be arrogant about it if you want
Be happy that you have at least a B Tier physique that you could call your own
I am 54. I suffer from this since I was 12 or so. I was called fat as a kid and made fun of. I started lifting at 14. So for 40 years I have done this. I have 18 inch biceps, a 48 inch chest. I am 5’9”. I work out 2 hours a day 5-7 days a week. I basically have a wrestler body. My wife said that I am fat and kind of disgusting… after 40 years of battling this crap, at one time about 5% body fat, severe depression, I am back to this again. Don’t know what to say. The fight is real, it never goes away. People suck.
lowkey, i wanna say thank you for posting this. i feel like body dismorphia is rarely talked about and it genuinely does effect so many people, so thank you for being awesome❤️
3:48 definitely not kidding 👍
A person's body does not define who they are. Be happy with who you are people
In most cases your body is an exact reflection of where your values, morals and standards of living are. In most cases, your body reflects your lifestyle. Period.
If only it was that easy
Time to oil up baby!
already done hahaha
@@JesseJamesWestlove your videos.
This is a real problem in this world thank you for talking about this is really serious🙏🙏
Jesse, just wanted to let you know your positivity through adversity gives me strength and resilience to go through my day with the best foot forward! Thank you, bro.
Humans focus too much on their appearance with mirrors, cameras, and photos, unlike animals that only see themselves in reflections like water. This constant self-viewing shifts our focus from feeling strong or accomplished to just how we look, letting our eyes define our worth more than our achievements.
1:15 joe biden is look great
And social media is making this worse and worse.
4:54 she sounds like Steve-o
Hahaha lol😂😂😂 you're right!
Who even is the one talking? She sounds and looks like a 🤡
Thanks mate for this video, I’ve to rewatch it almost every couple of weeks 🙏🏼
Amazing video. The thing that really helped me get rid of my body dysmorphia is changing my focus from how my body looks to what it can do. Like competing for boxing and hyrox.
TIME TO EAT 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Jesse James West is officially the Mr Beast of Fitness community.
He just needs to oil up first 😔
Fuck mrbeast he's been exposed
Difference is that jesse isn't a fraud
Crazy comparison given recent events 😭
No
Body building caused me to experience body dysmorphia.
The only way I could shut it out was by trying to master a physical skill, like a martial art.
I went through the same path, stopped seeing the mirror and only listened to the inner voice. But.. without assurance it's a difficult journey
I'm so glad you got to talk to so many pro body builders/fitness influencers and they all seem very genuine. Shout out to Patty (go beef!)!! My #1 motivation and fitness inspiration ;)
Jesse James is now my favorite person on UA-cam. He’s putting out the truth and being informative. Thank you sir.
6:18 who is this man💪💪💪
Eric janicki
TIME TO EATTT💪
4:16 is that noelle 😍
Just found your channel, this is my second video and I’m definitely subscribing. Really appreciate your positive messaging
@JesseJamesWest - this is a great video - and I just want to say not just body builders - I am "older" and as I have aged I have a hard time not comparing myself to my 20's, 30's, and even 40's - Although I know (I do) for my age I am in great shape - I still judge myself everyday. It goes past just this - but I struggle that my current max is my old working set weight, my marathon times have gotten slower, and I have lost my explosiveness - I find its a constant compression to my younger self. Great video.