The Effect of Eating Disorders on Male Celebrities like Ed Sheeran and What That Means For You
We don’t often hear about men struggling with eating disorders, not because it doesn’t happen, but because it has long been taboo for men to talk about their mental health and well-being. Recently, the rhetoric has been changing.
By: Alexandra Carter
The shrinking stigma around mental health is slowly reversing the stereotypes commonly associated with eating disorders, opening up the conversation to groups that have been previously left out of eating disorder study and support, from men to people in more marginalized communities. Although talking about these struggles can still be uncomfortable, speaking out, sharing experiences, and getting support are vital to overcoming these disorders. Representation is vital to spreading awareness and getting all people the support and healing that they need. A recent wave of men sharing their eating disorder experiences proves that the more examples people see, the more likely they will be to share their stories and get the help they need.
Until recently, eating disorders were most commonly associated with women. We now know that they can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, or status, including men and those along the gender spectrum. According to Eating Disorder Hope, 25% of those diagnosed with an eating disorder are men, and 33% of males have used unhealthy behaviors to alter their weight. Yet, these statistics do not fully reflect the impact of eating disorders on this population due to the historical stigmatization of men struggling, talking about, or getting support with eating disorders. Thus, it is even more essential to recognize their experiences to provide adequate support and help.
Recently there have been several male celebrities that have spoken about their experiences with eating disorders. These men are breaking down barriers around mental health and dismantling the stereotypes surrounding it. By speaking out about their experiences, they are cultivating the space for other men to speak out while demonstrating the true scope of eating disorders. The lesson? No matter how famous or successful you are, no one is immune to their effect.
Even just one person, especially in the public eye, sharing their lived experience can permit others to do the same and dispel years of stigma and bias. Breaking the silence surrounding mental health matters like eating disorders can have a profound impact on others who are struggling with similar issues. Breaking the silence can build empathy and understanding, encourage others to seek help, reduce feelings of isolation, and facilitate a more open dialogue. Thus, contributing to better research, support, and treatment for all those affected by these complex conditions.
One male celebrity who has been open about his struggle with an eating disorder is Ed Sheeran. Ed Sheeran is a multi-talented, Grammy Award-winning musician known for his chart-topping hits and exceptional songwriting skills. Despite his success, Sheeran has recently opened up about his experience with binge eating disorder.
Sheeran revealed to Rolling Stone magazine his struggles with anxiety and depression. He talked about the pressure to look a certain way and the self-comparison and self-deprecation he experiences when collaborating with other artists in the industry around him. As many people do, he used food to cope with life. Unfortunately, this leads to an unhealthy relationship with food and the body.
Sheeran’s story is just one example of the many men who have experienced eating disorders. In Elton John's memoir, he spoke about struggling with bulimia. He wrote, "I was bulimic for six years. It was all through being paranoid about my weight but not able to stop eating." Through Elton John’s memoir, Ed Sheeran realized he had similar experiences. Ed Sheeran said, "So I found myself doing what Elton talks about in his book."
Recently, a wave of male celebrities has opened up about their struggles with eating disorders. Zayn Malik, Dennis Quaid, Jordan Fisher, and Eminem are among a few who have shared their experiences. Each of their stories highlights the importance of recognizing eating disorders' effects across all demographics and groups, as well as reducing stigma around the male eating disorder experience.
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can have long-term effects on a person’s physical and mental health. It is essential to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder. Here are some options you have if you or someone you love is looking for support:
Talk to Someone
It’s essential to reach out to a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or healthcare professional if you suspect that you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, disordered eating, or food and body distress.
Join a Support Group
Support groups, like BALANCE’s FREE Contemplating Recovery Support Group, can provide a safe space for people to share their experiences, explore recovery, and receive support from others who are going through similar challenges.
Practice intentional Self-Care
Although you may not feel worthy or comfortable showing compassion, self-care activities like meditation, yoga, or mindfulness can help reduce stress and promote healing.
Seek Professional Help
Eating disorders are complex. Beyond reaching out to a trusted person in your life, it is crucial to seek professional help from a therapist, dietitian, or doctor who has experience working with and helping people recover from eating disorders.
It’s important to remember that eating disorders affect everyone. We often see celebrities as having it all - success, happiness, money, fame, and popularity. But the truth is, these disorders don't discriminate. It is essential to recognize the vast effect food and body distress have on people from all walks of life. Everyone’s experience is valid, from superstars like Ed Sheeran to you and your loved ones. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it is essential to get support no matter where you are on your journey. Remember, lasting recovery is absolutely possible.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating and body image issues.
BALANCE provides bi-monthly FREE Virtual Contemplating Recovery Support Groups that offer a safe space for people of all genders to discuss various concerns, such as ambivalence towards treatment, recovery, resources, and treatment options. RSVP for our upcoming group by clicking here. Schedule a free consultation call here or learn more by clicking here. Our admissions team can answer any questions regarding our programs and services.
This post was written by Intuitive Eating | HAES Content Creator, Alexandra Carter (she/her).
Alexandra Carter is a professional actor, turned certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Health and Wellbeing Coach, turned Content Creator. After moving to NYC for her undergraduate degree in Musical Theater, Alexandra spent 10 years working all over the world as an actor/singer/dancer. Through her own healing journey, Alexandra found her way to the anti-diet space and went on to gain coaching and counseling certifications, in addition to starting her own coaching business. It was there she fell in love with content creation as a way of sharing ideas, genuinely connecting with people, and affecting powerful change. Alexandra is thrilled to be on the team at BALANCE, combining all her skills and passions to foster authentic healing.
References
Eating disorders in males. Eating Disorder Hope. (2023, March 31). Retrieved April 3, 2023, from https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/risk-groups/men
Hiatt, B. (2023, March 21). Ed Sheeran confesses: Tears, trauma, and those bad habits. Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 3, 2023, from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/ed-sheeran-new-album-subtract-tour-cover-story-interview-1234694319/
Yahoo! (n.d.). Ed Sheeran, Elton John and the power of male celebrities speaking out about eating disorders. Yahoo! News. Retrieved April 3, 2023, from https://news.yahoo.com/ed-sheeran-elton-john-power-130944163.html