Most of the time it is assumed that eating disorders are mental health conditions that primarily affect young women. And while statistics show that women are more likely to have one of the more common eating disorders, men are not immune to struggling.
Because eating disorders tend to be viewed as a “more female” problem, many men may not feel comfortable bringing up the topic or reaching out for much needed help. However, it is important for men that eating disorders they suffer from are not only understood, but talked about to help reduce taboo and increase accessible treatment.
What are common eating disorders among men?
Recent research and awareness have highlighted that men are significantly impacted by eating disorders. “In the United States alone, eating disorders will affect 6.6 million males at some point in their lives. However, due in large part to cultural and gender bias, they are much less likely to be assessed or diagnosed for their eating disorder and even less likely to seek treatment.”
Understanding the common eating disorders that men suffer from is crucial for promoting awareness, encouraging early intervention and providing appropriate support and treatment.
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight in addition to a distorted body image, leading to restricted food intake and excessive weight loss. Although more prevalent among women, men also suffer from anorexia nervosa.
In men, the disorder may manifest slightly differently, often focusing on achieving a lean, muscular physique rather than simply being thin. This can lead to excessive exercise or the use of supplements to reduce body fat and increase muscle mass.
Men with anorexia may experience severe physical and psychological consequences, including muscle loss, weakened immune function and increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain. Men with bulimia often engage in these behaviors due to societal pressures to maintain a certain body image.
The stigma surrounding eating disorders in men may lead to underreporting and reluctance to seek help, which further worsens the condition.
Physical complications can include electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems and dental issues as a result of excessive purging/vomiting. Psychologically, men with bulimia may experience feelings of shame, guilt and low self-esteem.
Binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder (BED) is when someone frequently eats large quantities of food in a short period of time — this is often accompanied by feeling out of control and extremely distressed.
Unlike bulimia, individuals with BED do not regularly engage in purging behaviors to compensate for overeating. This disorder is prevalent among men and is the most common eating disorder in the United States.
Men with BED may struggle with obesity and related health issues such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The psychological impact includes depression, anxiety and social isolation.
Muscle Dysmorphia
Muscle dysmorphia, often considered a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder, is a condition where individuals become obsessed with the idea that their body is not sufficiently muscular. It is sometimes referred to as “bigorexia” and is more common in men.
Those affected may engage in extreme exercise routines, overuse or misuse steroids and have rigid dietary regimens to enhance muscle mass. Muscle dysmorphia can lead to significant physical harm due to overtraining and the potential side effects of steroid use, such as hormonal imbalances and liver damage. Psychologically, muscle dysmorphia can lead to anxiety, depression and a distorted sense of self-worth, as some men may never feel satisfied with their appearance regardless of the progress they make.
Orthorexia nervosa
Orthorexia nervosa is characterized by an obsessive focus on eating foods that one considers healthy and a hype- fixation on food quality and purity. Although not officially recognized as a distinct eating disorder in diagnostic manuals, orthorexia is gaining attention as a significant concern.
Men with orthorexia may become overly preoccupied with their diet, leading to nutritional deficiencies and social isolation due to their rigid eating habits. This disorder can have severe psychological implications, including anxiety and a sense of superiority or guilt over food choices.
Compulsive exercise
While not a standalone eating disorder, compulsive exercise is often associated with disordered eating patterns in men. It involves an uncontrollable urge to exercise excessively, often driven by a need to control weight or their physical appearance.
This can result in physical injuries, chronic fatigue and a negative impact on other areas of life, including work and school. Men who engage in compulsive exercise may experience anxiety or distress when unable to maintain their exercise routine, highlighting the psychological grip of the disorder.
Recovery resources for men
It’s important that men who are battling eating disorders know that there are treatment programs available for them that are personal and professional.
To get started today and to learn more about these kinds of treatment programs, reach out to Seeds of Hope by calling (610) 268-9245 or fill out an online contact form.
