Eating Disorders in Men: Breaking the Silence

When you think of eating disorders (EDs), it’s likely that the image of a teenage girl springs to mind. However, eating disorders don’t discriminate—they affect people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. For men, this issue is often swept under the rug due to societal stigma and a lack of awareness. 

Many men may not even recognize the symptoms of an eating disorder in themselves, as the narrative surrounding EDs often excludes them. This exclusion leads to underreporting, misdiagnoses, and delays in seeking treatment. 

Breaking the silence around eating disorders in men is not just about raising awareness; it’s about challenging societal norms that keep these struggles hidden and ensuring men feel empowered to prioritize their mental and physical health.

EDs in Men: The Bigger Picture

Although eating disorders are traditionally seen as a women’s health issue, the American Psychological Association tells us that “Boys and men make up one-third of all people with eating disorders.” Unfortunately, this statistic likely underrepresents the true prevalence due to a culture of silence and misdiagnosis. 

Healthcare providers might overlook ED symptoms in men, attributing weight loss or obsessive exercise to fitness goals rather than a deeper issue. The societal expectation that men should be strong, stoic, and self-reliant compounds the problem, creating barriers to seeking help. 

As we learn more about the nuanced ways EDs manifest in men, it’s crucial to foster environments that support open, stigma-free discussions about men’s mental and physical health.

Muscle Dysmorphia and “Bigorexia”

When it comes to men and body image issues, much of the conversation centers on muscle dysmorphia, often referred to as “bigorexia.” This condition is characterized by an obsessive pursuit of muscle mass, fueled by societal ideals that equate masculinity with physical dominance, strength, and a hyper-muscular physique. 

Men with bigorexia often feel their bodies are inadequate, perceiving themselves as too small or weak regardless of their actual size. This distorted self-image drives behaviors such as excessively rigid diets aimed at maximizing protein intake and minimizing body fat, marathon-like gym sessions focused on hypertrophy, and the relentless pursuit of fitness goals.

In severe cases, this obsession can lead to the use of risky supplements, anabolic steroids, or other performance-enhancing substances, which may cause long-term harm to physical and mental health. These men may sacrifice relationships, professional obligations, and even their overall well-being in pursuit of an unattainable ideal. 

Despite the dangers, societal validation of muscularity often reinforces these behaviors, making muscle dysmorphia a complex and challenging condition to address. Understanding its roots in cultural messaging and male body expectations is essential for fostering healthier attitudes and behaviors

It’s crucial to recognize that not all men with EDs fit into this narrative. Many experience “traditional” disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, which may involve severe food restriction or cycles of binging and purging. By acknowledging this diversity, we challenge harmful stereotypes that exclude men from receiving appropriate care and understanding.

Biohacking, Wellness Culture, and ED Trends

Wellness trends marketed to men, like biohacking, often disguise obsessive behaviors as health optimization. Biohacking promises peak performance and longevity through methods such as extreme fasting, calorie tracking, and supplement regimens, often appealing to those seeking to optimize every facet of their health. While some practices may offer benefits when applied mindfully and with professional guidance, biohacking can also cultivate a dangerous fixation on controlling every aspect of the body. 

This hyper-focus on metrics (and not always the right metrics), self-monitoring, and pushing limits may lead to obsessive behaviors, disordered eating patterns, and a skewed perception of health. When the pursuit of optimization becomes an all-consuming goal, it can overshadow overall well-being, creating a cycle of anxiety and unattainable perfectionism that ultimately harms mental and physical health.

 Similarly, fitness communities like CrossFit emphasize performance and camaraderie but can inadvertently promote harmful attitudes about food and exercise. These trends encourage rigid behaviors under the guise of self-improvement, blurring the line between healthy habits and disordered eating. Understanding these dynamics is key to addressing how modern wellness culture fuels eating disorders in men, especially as these practices become increasingly normalized.

The Gym as a Battleground: Stigma, Culture, and Mental Health

The gym is often seen as a sanctuary for self-improvement, but for some men, it becomes a battleground for self-worth. Gym culture glorifies extreme physical ideals, often equating health with visible abs, bulging muscles, or dramatic weight loss. This focus can lead men to adopt extreme measures, like overtraining, excessive calorie restriction, or misusing supplements, to fit the mold. 

Worse, men struggling with body image or EDs in gym spaces may feel ostracized, as the environment often stigmatizes any deviation from hyper-masculine ideals. To counter this, we need to reshape gym culture into one that celebrates health and wellness over appearance, while fostering spaces where men can openly discuss their mental health.

Breaking the Stigma: Psychoeducation and Support

To truly address eating disorders in men, we need to dismantle the stigma that prevents them from seeking help. Psychoeducation is a powerful tool in this process, as it empowers men to recognize the root causes of disordered behaviors and challenge harmful societal norms. For instance, many men may not realize how diet culture and gym environments have shaped their beliefs about health, masculinity, and self-worth.

Gym culture often promotes physical transformation and performance metrics, sometimes encouraging individuals to rely on tools like Metabolic Testing (MT) and Body Composition Analysis (BCA). While these tools can provide valuable health insights when used appropriately, their application in gym environments often lacks the guidance needed to ensure a supportive and holistic approach. This can lead to a narrow focus on appearance or perceived fitness goals rather than overall health.

In a treatment setting, however, MT and BCA are used very differently. By analyzing factors such as metabolic rate, cell health, lean tissue development, and total body water, these assessments help individuals understand the physiological impacts of disordered eating—independent of external appearance. 

This shift in focus makes MT and BCA powerful tools for fostering recovery, providing meaningful insights into health, and helping individuals move away from aesthetic-driven goals toward true well-being.

Support systems are vital. Therapists, dietitians, and treatment programs that validate men’s experiences can help them navigate recovery. By providing education and safe spaces, we can break the silence and encourage men to approach health in a sustainable, balanced way that prioritizes well-being over appearance.

Eating disorders in men are more common than many realize, yet stigma and stereotypes continue to silence these struggles. Addressing this issue requires more than awareness; it demands a cultural shift that redefines masculinity, health, and wellness. By fostering open conversations, providing resources, and creating inclusive support systems, we can empower men to seek help without fear of judgment. 

Contact us to get started on your journey today.