Eating Disorders and Men
Eating disorders are typically associated with women, with symptoms more commonly appearing in young girls and adults. However, eating disorder behaviors, such as fasting and obsessing over one's body image, can affect men as well. The stereotype that men do not experience symptoms of eating disorders is harmful and stigmatizing.
By: Regina Colie
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, one in three people with an eating disorder are men, with approximately ten million men in the United States experiencing one (Smith, 2023). Women are typically associated with higher rates of eating disorders; however, men are at risk as well, with athletes and gym lovers demonstrating society’s unrealistic expectations of the male body. According to Naveen Kumar in their article for Healthline, "Images of immensely muscular men have grown ubiquitous, circulating apps like Instagram and taking on outsize proportions in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and on billboards and magazines" (Kumar, 2021). To destigmatize eating disorders in men and ensure they receive appropriate support for recovery, it is essential to increase attention and resources for their treatment.
What Are The Signs Of Eating Disorders In Men?
Research has shown that 25% of men are affected by anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, with side effects of these disorders including dry skin, fatigue, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, tooth decay, muscle weakness, anxiety, and organ damage (Rittenhouse, 2023). Men also may find themselves excusing their disordered eating habits or excessive exercise, hiding their behaviors from family and friends, and using laxatives or other products. ARFID, or avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, can also impact men who are experiencing disordered eating behaviors. Additionally, the LGBTQ+ community can be affected by eating disorders, with research demonstrating that gay and transgender men are at higher risks of developing symptoms. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, 15% of gay or bisexual men have an eating disorder (Smith, 2023). Despite all of this, men are often not aware of the treatment options available to support them.
How Men Can Seek Treatment For Their Eating Disorders
Men may feel shame or embarrassment if they acknowledge that they have a problem and are often hesitant to speak with someone about their eating disorder. Unfortunately, stigma and misconceptions also affect how men are treated if they do seek help. Nevertheless, men should speak with their medical professionals about their struggles. NEDA expresses gender-sensitive approaches for treatment plans so that men can also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, and nutritional counseling (Kumar, 2021). Men need to have support and reassurance when going into treatment so they also get the opportunity to find lasting recovery.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, we offer two FREE Virtual Eating Disorder Support Groups open to individuals seeking help and family and loved ones. The group provides a supportive forum where members can explore issues, including ambivalence about engaging in treatment, recovery, resources, and treatment options, and knowing when and how to take the next steps toward making change. RSVP for our next group here.
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This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Regina Colie (she/her).
Regina Colie is a blog contributor for BALANCE, whose previous work has been featured in Project HEAL and Nourishing NY. She is an alumnus of The New School of Social Research, where she received her Masters in Psychology. After attending Marymount Manhattan College, she had the opportunity to be published in Dr. Nava Silton's book, The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child, Adolescent, and Adult Development.
References
Smith, H. (2023, October 13). What to know about eating disorders in men. Retrieved January 6, 2024, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eating-disorders-in-men#prevalence
Kumar, N. (2021, November 23). Eating disorders in men are not talked about enough — and they’re on the rise. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/eating-disorders/eating-disorders-in-men
Rittenhouse, M. (2023, December 14). Eating Disorders in Males is Becoming More Prevalent and Deadly. Eating Disorder Hope. Retrieved January 6, 2024, from https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/risk-groups/men
Smith, K. (2023, February 6). Eating Disorders in Men. Psycom. Retrieved January 6, 2024, from https://www.psycom.net/eating-disorders-men