men get eating disorders too: breaking the stereotype

Eating disorders are often misunderstood as conditions that predominantly affect women and girls, but this stereotype is entirely inaccurate. This misconception has caused the struggles of many men and boys to go unrecognised. Understanding the prevalence and unique experiences of men with eating disorders is critical in addressing this often-overlooked issue.

What Does the Research Say About Men and Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders in men are more common than previously acknowledged. While the precise figures are not fully known, estimates suggest that around 25% of those suffering from eating disorders are men. However, this figure may be much higher due to challenges in research, diagnosis, and the stigma surrounding men seeking help for these issues.

Men with eating disorders often experience the condition differently than women. For instance, men are more likely to be affected by binge eating disorder (BED) compared to women. Additionally, men may suffer from muscle dysmorphia, a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which involves obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours surrounding muscle mass. Excessive exercise is a common compensatory behaviour among men with eating disorders, as it is often used to counteract strict dietary rules or perceived dietary 'failures.'

The Overlap of Eating Disorders and Muscle Dysmorphia in Men

Muscle dysmorphia, sometimes referred to as "bigorexia," is a form of body image disorder that is often overlooked. Unlike anorexia nervosa, where individuals fear gaining weight, men with muscle dysmorphia fear being perceived as too small or weak. These men may spend excessive hours at the gym, follow rigid dietary plans, and use anabolic steroids or supplements to 'bulk up.' This condition frequently coexists with eating disorders such as bulimia or binge eating disorder, where intense exercise, purging, or restriction may be used to compensate for perceived dietary transgressions. Recognising the intersection between eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia is crucial to improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes for men.

Cultural Pressures and the Pursuit of Unrealistic Body Ideals

Men may develop eating disorders as a result of pursuing unrealistic body ideals that emphasise leanness and muscularity—ideals often propagated by social media and diet culture. The pressure to ‘bulk up’ or maintain a muscular physique can make men hyper-focused on nutrition and fitness, not necessarily for thinness but for strength, size, and performance. Professions such as professional sports, military service, fitness training, or modelling can exacerbate these pressures, creating environments where disordered behaviours are normalised or even celebrated under the guise of "discipline" or "self-control."

Eating Disorders and Masculinity

Any man, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, profession, or lifestyle, can be affected by eating disorders. However, societal concepts of masculinity often lead to a great deal of shame around seeking help, especially for mental health challenges. Men are frequently raised with the belief that they should be strong, self-reliant, and stoic—traits that make admitting vulnerability or emotional difficulties, such as an eating disorder, feel like a threat to their sense of masculinity.

We must also acknowledge the lack of gender-sensitive treatment approaches. Much of the research, diagnosis, and treatment for eating disorders still centres around the experiences of women and girls. This leaves many men underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed because existing diagnostic tools and treatment services are not tailored to their specific needs. For example, men are more likely to present with symptoms such as compulsive exercise, which may not be as emphasised in screening tools designed for women and girls.

The Stigma Around Men Seeking Help for Eating Disorders

Despite growing awareness, stigma continues to surround men’s mental health, body image dissatisfaction, and eating disorders. In many cultures, men are still taught that expressing emotions is a sign of weakness, as reflected in phrases like "man up" or "suck it up." This stigma creates an environment where men feel ashamed of admitting they struggle with an eating disorder or any mental health issue. Consequently, men may avoid seeking help, fearing judgment or misunderstanding from healthcare professionals.

Creating a Culture of Openness Around Men's Eating Disorders

One of the most important steps in supporting men with eating disorders is to dismantle the stigma surrounding male mental health and body image. Encouraging open discussions in male-dominated environments, such as gyms, sports clubs, and male peer groups, can help normalise conversations about eating disorders and mental health. Educational programs targeting boys and young men in schools, sports clubs, and online platforms can introduce the concept that mental health issues, including eating disorders, are not signs of weakness but health conditions that can affect anyone.

We must continually challenge the belief that men need to suppress their struggles or "tough it out," and instead emphasise that reaching out for help is a sign of strength and resilience.

Moving Forward: Supporting Men with Eating Disorders

As a society, we need to recognise that eating disorders are an increasing issue for boys and men. There is a pressing need for more focus and resources to ensure that diagnostic tools and treatment services are designed to support the needs of men and boys, rather than assuming they are the same as those for women and girls. Teachers, therapists, and healthcare professionals need better training to identify the signs of eating disorders in men and tailor their care accordingly.

By challenging societal stigma, raising awareness, and creating safe and empowering environments, we can ensure that boys and men know they are not alone—and that help is available. Eating disorders do not discriminate by gender, and all men deserve access to the treatment and support they need to recover.

The Eating Clinic is a multidisciplinary clinic supporting men and women to improve their relationship with food and recovery from eating disorders and disordered eating. Find out more about our 1-1 services here.