“Starving for Control: How Eating Disorders Impact Men Differently”

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Introduction: Troubling Signs of Eating Disorders in Men: Shattering the Silence

Eating disorders are often misunderstood as issues that predominantly affect women. However, research increasingly reveals that men are far from immune. Disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, once considered “female-only” conditions, are affecting a growing number of men, yet the signs often go unnoticed or unacknowledged. Societal stigma, traditional masculinity ideals, and lack of awareness all contribute to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of these serious mental health issues.

Here we explore the troubling signs of eating disorders in men, break down the myths, and emphasise the importance of early recognition and support.

Do Men Suffer from Anorexia or Bulimia?

Yes. Men suffer from both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, although they are often underrepresented in clinical statistics. Current estimates suggest that 1 in 4 people diagnosed with an eating disorder is male, but the actual number may be higher due to underreporting and societal stigma.

• Anorexia Nervosa involves extreme food restriction, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
• Bulimia Nervosa typically includes cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative abuse.

While men may not always display the “textbook” symptoms, the underlying struggles with control, body image, and mental health are just as serious and valid.

Key Signs of Eating Disorders in Men

1. Obsession with Body Image and Weight

Men with eating disorders may become excessively preoccupied with muscle tone, leanness, or body fat percentage. This can include:

• Constant mirror checking
• Weighing themselves multiple times a day
• Distorted beliefs about being “too fat” or not muscular enough

2. Excessive or Compulsive Exercise

While fitness is often encouraged in men, compulsive or punishing exercise routines, especially when paired with food restriction, can be a red flag. Look for:

• Guilt or anxiety when missing a workout
• Exercising despite illness or injury
• Using exercise to “earn” or “burn off” food

3. Restrictive Eating or Unusual Food Rules

This might include:

• Skipping meals
• Avoiding entire food groups (carbs, fats)
• Only eating at specific times
• Refusal to eat in public or social settings

4. Binge Eating Followed by Shame or Secretive Behaviour

Bulimia often includes:

• Eating large amounts of food in a short period
• Eating in secret
• Feeling out of control during a binge
• Purging behaviours: vomiting, over-exercising, fasting, or laxative use

5. Mood Changes and Social Withdrawal

As the eating disorder intensifies, men may:

• Become irritable, anxious, or depressed
• Withdraw from family or friends
• Lose interest in hobbies or social events involving food

6. Physical Symptoms

Some physical warning signs include:

• Rapid weight loss or fluctuations
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Gastrointestinal issues (bloating, constipation)
• Fatigue or fainting
• Cold intolerance

Who Is Most at Risk?

While eating disorders can affect any person, certain groups are at higher risk due to societal pressures, body image expectations, or performance demands. These include:

• Athletes – especially in weight-class or aesthetic sports like wrestling, boxing, gymnastics, cycling, and running, where being lean is seen as an advantage.
• Models and Actors – professions that prioritise appearance often create pressure to maintain a certain physique or meet unrealistic beauty standards.
• Fitness Enthusiasts & Bodybuilders – obsession with muscularity, also known as muscle dysmorphia, can lead to dangerous patterns of eating and overtraining.
• LGBTQ+ Men – studies show gay and bisexual men may experience higher rates of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating due to cultural and community expectations.
• Military Personnel – physical fitness requirements and weight monitoring can contribute to unhealthy behaviours around food and body image.
• Teenage Boys and Young Men – Adolescence is a key time for the development of eating disorders due to hormonal changes, peer pressure, and identity struggles.

Eating disorders don’t always look the same in men, and the warning signs may vary by group. Awareness and education are key to prevention and support.

Unique Challenges for Men

Men with eating disorders often face barriers to diagnosis and treatment, including:

• Stigma: Eating disorders are wrongly seen as “female” problems.
• Delayed help-seeking: Many men downplay symptoms or don’t recognise them as disordered.
• Misdiagnosis: Symptoms may be mistaken for fitness obsession, depression, or other issues.

How to Support Someone You’re Concerned About

If you suspect someone is struggling, consider these steps:

• Approach with empathy, not judgment.
• Use “I” statements: “I’ve noticed you seem anxious about food lately…”
• Avoid commenting on appearance; instead, focus on health, behaviour, and emotions.
• Encourage professional help from a GP, mental health specialist, or eating disorder clinic.
• Offer continued support, even if they’re not ready to talk yet.

Conclusion

Eating disorders in men are real, serious, and rising. The earlier the signs are recognised, the better the chances of recovery. By raising awareness, challenging stigma, and educating ourselves, we can ensure that no one, regardless of gender, suffers in silence.

A Personal Reflection: My Journey Through an Eating Disorder

From personal experience, at the tender age of 15, I developed an eating disorder. It started as a bet with my school friends to see who would last the longest on a diet. What began as a joke quickly spiralled into something far more dangerous. I became obsessed to the next level and ended up being skin and bones. My mother was concerned, and luckily, I managed to get my eating habits under control when I left school and started a new job.

However, later in life, I met someone who would deeply affect my sense of self-worth. He criticised my weight, even though I wasn’t overweight. He was mentally abusive, and the constant negativity triggered my OCD. This was the beginning of my long battle with mental health and disability.

If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be this:
You are beautiful inside and out, and never let anyone tell you otherwise.
Chanel in and ground yourself, and occupy your mind with positive thoughts. Healing is possible, and your value is never defined by a number on a scale or the opinion of someone who fails to see your worth; this applies to all genders.

Further Reading:

• 13 Troubling Signs Of Eating Disorders In Men
• Eating Disorders In Males – National Centre for Eating Disorders
• Eating disorders in men: Types, symptoms, and getting help
• Eating Disorders in Men: Underdiagnosed and Undertreated
• Eating Disorders in Men: Symptoms, Risk Factors & Treatment
• Men & eating disorders – The Laurence Trust