In 2026, high-profile singer-songwriter Noah Kahan released Out of Body, a documentary about his struggles with himself, his success and his mental health. One of his struggles is with body dysmorphia, a condition that causes a person to feel intense anxiety, focus and shame over how they look.
Body image is a frequent topic in music and across social media, and many people recognize their own struggles in artists’ stories. While we avoid speculating about any person’s diagnosis, public conversations about body dysmorphia can clarify how perfectionism, scrutiny, and anxiety shape self-image.
Body dysmorphia is a condition that often occurs alongside eating disorders. At Center for Discovery, we provide expert, measurement-based care for disorders including anorexia, bulimia and more.
What Is Body Dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphia, or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition marked by persistent preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance that seem minor or are unnoticeable to others. This preoccupation causes distress and interferes with day-to-day functioning.
Body dysmorphia differs from typical dissatisfaction. Many people dislike aspects of their appearance at times; BDD involves time-consuming worry and impairment. It can overlap with eating disorders but is distinct: eating disorders primarily involve concerns about weight, food and shape, while body dysmorphia may fixate on any feature (skin, hair, nose, muscles) and may occur without disordered eating.
What Are the Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) involves a pattern of distressing thoughts and behaviors centered on perceived flaws in appearance. The most common symptoms include:
- A preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance
- Feeling “deformed” or “ugly”
- Being convinced that other people notice perceived flaws and view them negatively
- Feeling intense depression, shame and/or anxiety related to personal appearance
- Avoiding photos, mirrors, social situations and more
- Engaging in repetitive, image-focused behaviors like checking oneself in mirrors, skin-picking, comparing oneself to others and more
Muscle dysmorphia is a related form of BDD that often affects males. It centers around the belief that the body isn’t big or muscular enough, which can lead to a variety of harmful behaviors.
Is Body Dysmorphia an Eating Disorder?
No, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) isn’t an eating disorder. Most clinicians classify BDD as an obsessive-compulsive disorder that revolves around perceived flaws in appearance. Eating disorders, on the other hand, involve eating patterns, weight concerns, and attempts to control food intake and weight driven by body image.
However, BDD often is a co-occurring condition with eating disorders, and the symptoms of disorders like anorexia and bulimia can often influence BDD – and vice versa.
Noah Kahan, Visibility and Self-Perception
Noah Kahan’s songwriting often explores vulnerability, anxiety, and the tension between self-acceptance and self-criticism. When public figures discuss how they appear onstage, in photos or online, they spotlight a broader issue: constant visibility can intensify body-focused distress.
Real-time commentary, comparisons and edited images can fuel cycles of shame and avoidance, like skipping events, dodging cameras or obsessively editing photos. This can offer brief relief…but reinforce anxiety. Many listeners recognize these patterns in themselves.
Naming the problem, whether in a song, post or therapy session, is a meaningful step toward change.
However, Kahan’s documentary and public statements about his mental health are important for another reason: He’s rejecting stigma.
Stigma and Eating Disorders
Stigma around eating disorders is still one of the biggest barriers to people getting the help they need. Many individuals feel ashamed, misunderstood, or afraid of being judged, which can make it harder to speak openly about what they’re experiencing.
Misconceptions, like the idea that eating disorders are a “choice” or only affect certain types of people, add to this silence and can leave someone feeling isolated at the exact moment they need support the most. Challenging these beliefs is essential because eating disorders are serious medical and psychological conditions, not personal failures.
Reducing stigma starts with compassion, accurate information and open conversation. When we talk honestly about eating disorders, we help create a culture where people feel safer reaching out for help. Understanding that recovery is possible (and that seeking treatment is a sign of strength) can make a meaningful difference.
Treatment and Everyday Support
Effective, measurement-based treatments are available:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people examine distorted appearance beliefs and reduce rituals.
- Exposure and response prevention (ERP) gradually reintroduces feared situations (for example, appearing in unedited photos or attending social events) while resisting checking, reassurance or concealment.
Some individuals benefit from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to reduce obsessive thoughts and anxiety. A licensed clinician can personalize care.
| Helpful strategies | Why they help |
| Mindfulness and self-compassion | Shifts attention from appearance to present-moment experience and values |
| Media literacy and curated feeds | Reduces comparisons to edited or unrealistic images |
| Boundaries with social media | Limits rumination on comments and photos |
| Protective routines | Sleep, balanced nutrition, movement and non-appearance-based activities support resilience |
| Supportive relationships | Trusted people reinforce strengths beyond appearance and celebrate progress |
Consider seeking professional help if appearance concerns occupy an hour or more per day, lead to avoidance of work, school or relationships, or cause significant distress. Early intervention improves outcomes for body dysmorphia.
How Center for Discovery Can Help
Center for Discovery is a trusted leader in measurement-based care for eating disorders. Our team provides coordinated support that aligns with each person’s goals. We meet you with compassion and deep expertise, offering structured care that addresses underlying anxiety, perfectionism and the habits that keep body dysmorphia in place.
- Individualized treatment plans built around your needs and strengths
- Multiple levels of care
Contact Center for Discovery to discuss assessment and treatment options and take the next step toward recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Noah Kahan part of the conversation around mental health?
Noah Kahan has become a prominent voice for mentalhealth awareness through his music and public advocacy. He often speaks openly about anxiety, self‑image and emotional struggles, helping reduce stigma and encouraging fans to seek support.
What is body dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphia, or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), involves obsessive worries about perceived flaws in appearance—flaws that others may not notice at all. It can lead to repetitive checking, avoidance, and significant emotional distress.
How does stigma affect eating disorders?
Stigma can make people feel ashamed, misunderstood or afraid to ask for help. Misconceptions like the idea that eating disorders are a choice or only affect certain people, often prevent individuals from seeking treatment early, when support can be most effective.
How does Noah Kahan’s openness help reduce stigma?
By speaking honestly about mental health, Kahan normalizes conversations that many people find difficult. His transparency helps fans feel less alone and encourages them to reach out for care without fear of judgment.
Are body dysmorphia and eating disorders connected?
They’re different conditions, but they can overlap. Some people with BDD also struggle with eating related concerns, especially when their worries focus on weight or body shape. Reducing stigma around both conditions makes it easier for people to get the right support.