Eating Disorders Among Men: You Are Not Alone
In the U.S. alone, there are 30 million people who have a diagnosed eating disorder. Ten million of those people identify as male (as of 2021). Eating Disorder professionals suspect that even more adult and teenage men have eating disorders than this, but stay silent. Are you one of these silent sufferers? Are you worried your male loved one might be?
Read on to learn more about:
- How males experience eating disorders
- What to do if you are the one suffering
- How to help someone else who may be suffering
Do Males Experience Eating Disorders the Same as Women?
Yes…and no.
Eating disorders are about more than weight and food. They are multidimensional illnesses involving genetic factors, environmental circumstances, and (often) comorbid disorders. These underlying issues are present across the gender spectrum. However, right now, men have an overwhelmingly different place in society. Men are generally thought of as strong, unemotional, and without body image issues. A lot of men develop eating disorders according to that stereotype. Instead of trying to become very thin, many men take extreme measures to gain muscle mass and become the “superhero figure” they think they have to be. Others play sports, and the pressure to look and act a certain way takes its toll.
Since we know that there are typically underlying factors when it comes to developing an eating disorder, men may also develop eating disorders because they think they can’t talk about their trauma. Because they think they can’t share what’s going on, an eating disorder might be a way to gain control in an otherwise chaotic life.
These are just a few ways that men may experience eating disorders differently than women.
If You’re a Man Suffering From an Eating Disorder…
1. You are valid. Start telling yourself that.
You may not fit some (totally incorrect) “standard description” of someone with an eating disorder. But most people don’t.
In fact, less than 6% of people with an eating disorder are clinically underweight. And anorexia, the typical disorder that pops into most people’s minds when they think about eating disorders, isn’t even the most common eating disorder out there — binge eating disorder is.
So, try to stop comparing yourself to a non-existent standard. It’s hard, of course, but if you keep telling yourself that your eating disorder is valid, it will make the rest of these steps (and recovery in general) much easier.
2. Tell someone you trust.
Unfortunately, eating disorders are still stigmatized among a lot of the population. The public perception of what an eating disorder “looks like” makes it even harder for men to speak up about a life threatening illness.
Trust us though—there is someone out there who understands. It might be a compassionate family member, supportive friend, school counselor, coach, or health care professional. If there’s no one you can think of who you feel comfortable talking to, then the National Eating Disorder Association also has a free confidential phone, text, and chat helpline. Compassionate people who have faced eating disorders are there to listen and connect you to helpful resources. If nothing else, it will be relieving to just tell someone that you’ve been struggling.
3. Speak to a professional about getting the right help for you.
You may try “recovering on your own.” It isn’t the best idea. A professional will help you find the right level of support to start your recovery.
4. Consider finding other men with eating disorders to support you.
Other men who suffer from this illness can be a great source of information and support. Male-only support groups offer a space to share your unique struggles with others who really understand and empathize with you. And you don’t have to worry about being judged in these settings.
If You’re Worried About Someone Else…
- Read up on eating disorders.
- Have a conversation. This article provides more information on how to navigate this difficult topic.
- Validate their struggle.
- Encourage them to talk to a professional who will help to determine what level of care they may need at this time.
- Send them this article. It may make them feel seen and help them figure out what to do next.
Wow– I never thought about eating disorders in men manifesting as the extreme muscle building– but that makes a lot of sense. Such a profound and well written post. Thanks for bringing attention to this!