Eating disorders are commonly attributed to females—in particular, the notion of the young teenage girl struggling to achieve an idealistic appearance during adolescence. And while females do have a higher incidence of eating disorders, it is important to note that men experience eating disorders too.
Men and eating disorders
Eating disorders are mental illnesses that do not discriminate by age, race, sexual orientation, or gender expression. Research suggests that, a third of those who are struggling with eating disorders in Australia are men.
Men are also less likely to seek help for mental health problems, especially when an eating disorder is present due to the added stigma. For these reasons, eating disorders in men often go undiagnosed.
Why do men develop eating disorders?
Eating disorders are not a ‘lifestyle choice;’ they are serious conditions, with anorexia having the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric conditions. Although we can argue that the cause for eating disorders is a combination of biology and environment, there may be additional influences leading men to develop eating disorders such as:
Cultural and social pressures
Over the years, gender norms have shaped how men and women are viewed socially and culturally. Stereotypically, women through time, have been judged for their appearance, whereas men have been judged on what they can achieve externally, such as in work, sport, and relationships. For years, eating disorders have been judged as a ‘female’ disease, but as awareness grows and stigma breaks down, this is changing.
Men are being encouraged to show more of their vulnerable side, which may explain why more men are reaching out for help. On the other hand, social media increasingly puts immense pressure on men to look and behave in a certain way, more so than men generations before.
The fact is, men have always suffered from eating disorders, just at a lower rate than women.
What do eating disorders look like in men today?
Just like with women, men can use food to control their feelings, here are some ways eating disorders may show up in men:
Men may go through periods of bingeing and fasting, or they may compulsively exercise and work out in the gym to bulk up their muscles and become obsessed with protein shakes and a certain body type. This is referred to as non-purging bulimia where the weight gain is compensated through the use of excessive exercise, or fasting.
Although not all defined as eating disorders, these labels highlight the behaviours that may be seen in men:
If you are concerned with your or someone else’s eating behaviours, it is important you reach out for help. Contact your health provider, a counsellor, or your assistance program for support.
Resources:
Butterfly Foundation – national support for eating disorders or body image issues for everyone across Australia who are experiencing eating disorders.
Eating Disorder Victoria – support and resources for those living with an eating disorder and their families, in the state of Victoria.
Eating Disorders Queensland – support and resources for those living with an eating disorder and their families, in the state of Queensland.
Eating Disorders Association South Australia (EDASA) – support and resources for those living with an eating disorder and their families, in the state of South Australia.
The National Eating Disorder Collaboration – resource for up-to-date information and research on eating disorders, and lists of state-by-state treatment services for inpatient, outpatient, and community support programs.
This information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician or mental health professional and is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health or mental health professional if you have questions about a medical condition or plan of treatment.