It is a widespread misconception that eating disorders only affect young women. The reality is that millions of men also struggle with disordered eating. Unfortunately, eating disorders in men often go unnoticed, undiagnosed and untreated. Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 24-March 2) is an ideal opportunity to challenge these outdated beliefs and encourage those who need help to get it.
Recognizing the Silent Struggle
Estimates suggest that at least one in three people with eating disorders is a man, but men are less likely to seek treatment due to cultural and gender bias and lack of awareness. While men can experience the same behaviors and beliefs around food as women – such as anorexia, orthorexia, laxative misuse, bulimia and binge eating disorder – their symptoms often present differently, making diagnosis more complicated.
Men are more likely to:
- Focus on gaining muscle rather than losing weight.
- Compulsively exercise to achieve a specific physique.
- Follow restrictive diets, like keto or paleo, without necessarily recognizing them as disordered eating patterns.
- Feel ashamed or hesitant to seek help due to societal expectations of masculinity.
Understanding these differences is crucial for identifying when your eating habits and body image concerns have turned into something more serious.
Signs of Eating Disorders in Men
Eating disorders are mental health conditions with deep emotional and psychological roots. If the following signs sound familiar, it may be time to reexamine your relationship with food, exercise and body image.
1. Obsession With Body Image and Weight Control
- Constantly weighing or measuring yourself.
- Frequent negative self-talk about your appearance.
- Avoiding social situations due to body dissatisfaction.
2. Extreme Dieting or Restriction
- Skipping meals or severely limiting your food intake.
- Labeling foods as “good” or “bad” with rigid eating rules.
- Fear of eating in public or in front of others.
3. Excessive Exercise
- Working out even when you are sick, injured or exhausted.
- Feeling guilty or anxious when you miss a day in your fitness routine.
- Exercising to “earn” food rather than to improve your physical and mental health.
4. Binge Eating and Loss of Control
- Eating large amounts of food in a short period.
- Feeling out of control while eating.
- Hiding food or eating in secret.
5. Purging or Other Dangerous Behaviors
- Vomiting after meals to “undo” eating.
- Misusing laxatives, diuretics or weight loss supplements.
- Engaging in extreme fasting or crash diets.
6. Mood and Behavioral Changes
- Increased irritability, anxiety or depression related to food and body image.
- Withdrawal from friends and family.
- Difficulty focusing or experiencing brain fog due to malnutrition.
The Overlap Between Eating Disorders and Mental Health
Eating disorders rarely exist in isolation. Many men with these conditions also struggle with:
- Anxiety disorders (fear of weight gain, body dysmorphia, social anxiety).
- Depression (low self-worth, lack of motivation, isolation).
- Obsessive-compulsive tendencies (ritualistic eating habits, rigid exercise routines).
- Substance abuse (using drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional distress).
Because eating disorders commonly overlap with other mental health struggles, you deserve comprehensive mental health care that addresses the root causes.
Breaking the Stigma: Men Need Support, Too
Shame and toxic masculinity are significant barriers to men’s mental health treatment. Society emphasizes that men must “tough it out,” but ignoring an eating disorder won’t make it go away.
PACE Recovery works to end the stigma by giving young men access to the comprehensive, judgment-free support they deserve. We understand the unique challenges men face when struggling with their mental health and body image. Our shame-free, accountability-focused approach will empower you to heal by equipping you with the tools you need to regain confidence and self-compassion.
Breaking free of disordered eating patterns is possible, but it requires patience and professional guidance. Contact us today for specialized care that helps you feel at peace with yourself and your body.
