Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, the Icelandic powerhouse best known for his role as "The Mountain" on Game of Thrones, is a man who is synonymous with strength.
On Monday (September 8), the strongman took to X to post a video of himself in his gym.
Now, the video in question isn't a workout vid, as you might expect it to be.
Instead, he uses the time to answer questions about his physique and reveals the specific reason he loves "standing naked next to his wife."
Standing at 6'9" and weighing in at around 400 pounds, his imposing physique is often seen as the epitome of physical perfection.
However, despite his incredible size and status as one of the strongest men on the planet, Björnsson has recently opened up about battling a condition many wouldn’t associate with someone of his stature — bigorexia.
Bigorexia, also known as muscle dysmorphia, is a form of body dysmorphic disorder in which individuals become obsessed with their size, often believing they are too small or insufficiently muscular, despite evidence to the contrary.
In the video, Björnsson is asked: "Do you ever look in the mirror and you're like 'Holy s**t, I'm big as f**k.'?"
He responds: "Especially next to my wife. When I'm naked next to my wife, I look at her, look at me and I'm like holy s**t I'm big. It's nice to have a small wife because you look massive all the f**king time."
He then talks about dealing with bigorexia in the past, which he now appears to have overcome.
Bigorexia is a condition that can be just as mentally taxing as anorexia, and it affects not only those with smaller frames but also individuals like Björnsson, who seem to have achieved their physique goals.
In a candid interview, Björnsson shared that, at one point in his life, his self-esteem and mental well-being were deeply affected by his obsession with building muscle.
Despite being known worldwide for his strength, he revealed that he once felt inadequate due to his perception of his body.
This struggle with bigorexia is an unusual and lesser-discussed side of the world of professional bodybuilding and strongman competitions, where athletes are often celebrated for their muscular physiques.
However, the pressure to continuously outdo oneself and reach new physical heights can lead to unhealthy self-perception and body image issues.
Björnsson, who has broken several world records in strength competitions, including lifting the heaviest deadlift ever recorded at 501 kg (1,104 lbs), revealed that his fixation on size and muscle led to periods of anxiety and self-doubt.
While Hafþór J. Björnsson’s physique remains awe-inspiring, his vulnerability in addressing his mental health has made him an even more inspiring figure. His openness about his past struggles reminds us that strength isn’t only physical — it’s also about having the courage to confront and overcome personal challenges.
Through his journey, Björnsson is reshaping the conversation around body image, proving that even the most formidable among us can face insecurities, and that there is power in embracing vulnerability.