What You Need to Know About Men and Eating Disorders
If you’ve ever quietly wondered, "do men get eating disorders?" the answer is yes.
Absolutely, yes.
If you’re a man struggling with you’re relationship with food and your body, we see you. And, if you're someone who loves a man who’s struggling with food or body image, you’re not imagining it.
Eating disorders don’t discriminate by gender, but our culture sure does when it comes to talking about them.
And that deafening silence? It keeps a lot of men suffering in secret.
Do Men Get Eating Disorders?
They do.
In fact, about 1 in 3 people with an eating disorder is male.
And, that number is probably higher, because so many cases in men go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to stigma, shame, or symptoms that don’t “look” like what we’re taught to expect.
Men can struggle with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, orthorexia, muscle dysmorphia, and everything in between. Just because it doesn’t show up in stereotypical ways doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
It might even look like fitness goals on the outside, and still be rooted in pain underneath.
How Do Eating Disorders Affect Males?
Eating disorders affect men both physically and emotionally, just like they do anyone else. But they often come with a different flavor:
Over-exercising to the point of injury or burnout
Obsessive clean eating or rigid food rules
Body obsession focused on leanness or muscle gain
Binge eating or emotional eating, often in secret
Using food or restriction to manage emotions like anger, sadness, or shame
And emotionally? There’s often a heavy cocktail of guilt, anxiety, irritability, depression, and a creeping sense of disconnection. From others and from themselves.
It's exhausting. And often invisible.
What Unique Challenges Do Men with Eating Disorders Face?
Men with eating disorders often face:
Stigma: Because EDs are seen as a “women’s issue,” men often feel extra shame.
Delayed diagnosis: Doctors and loved ones might miss the signs.
Cultural pressure to appear strong, not vulnerable: It’s hard to admit you’re struggling when you’ve been taught to always be in control.
Lack of representation: Most treatment spaces, resources, and recovery stories center women.
What Factors Place Males at Risk?
Men are at risk for developing eating disorders for many of the same reasons as women, but some unique factors include:
Childhood trauma or emotional neglect (especially when boys were taught to disconnect from feelings)
Participation in sports or activities with weight or physique pressures (wrestling, dance, gymnastics, bodybuilding)
Military training or high-control environments
Societal body ideals that glorify six-packs, leanness, and “clean eating”
Being shamed or bullied about appearance or body size
What Are the Warning Signs of Eating Disorders in Males?
Some of the red flags to look for include:
Preoccupation with weight, calories, or muscle size
Frequent dieting or food restriction
Obsessive fitness tracking or intense guilt after missing a workout
Withdrawal from friends or social events involving food
Mood swings, fatigue, or increased irritability
Signs of bingeing or purging
If something feels "off," trust that instinct.
What Recovery Might Look Like for Men
Recovery doesn’t mean giving up strength, identity, or discipline. It means learning how to be in your body without punishment, shame or obsession.
It might look like:
Eating without shame, even the foods you used to fear
Working out because it feels good, not because you “have to”
Actually feeling your emotions instead of numbing them with control
Having more energy, better sleep, a sex drive and more connection with people you care about
Recovery is not about becoming someone else, it’s about becoming more you, with less suffering.
But, He Doesn’t Look Like He Has an Eating Disorder…
Let’s bust this myth right now: eating disorders are simply not visible illnesses.
They come in all body sizes, shapes, genders, and ages. A guy doesn’t need to be underweight, frail, or emaciated to be struggling.
Many men with eating disorders look like “average” guys. Some are muscular. Some are in larger bodies. Some are extremely fit. It’s not about appearance, it’s about the relationship to food, body, and self.
Take a minute to read that again, because it’s huge.
If You’re a Guy With an Eating Disorder (Or Think You Might Be)
You are not weak. You are not broken. And, you’re not alone.
I know it’s scary to even say the words… that you might be struggling with an eating disorder.
It might feel confusing, like you don’t “qualify” for help, or like you don’t feel “sick enough”.
But, I promise you, you deserve support. And healing from your eating disorder is possible.
Without obsession. Without shame. Without losing yourself in the process.
And if you’re someone who loves a guy who’s struggling, your concern is valid. Don’t be afraid to gently speak up, ask questions, or offer support. You don’t need to have the perfect words, just your presence, care and compassion go a long way.
Wondering how to start the conversation with a loved one about your concern for them? Grab our guide for starting a hard, but important conversation here.
Therapy for Eating Disorders Can Help
Here at Reclaim Therapy, we work with people of all genders navigating eating disorders, trauma, and body image issues. If you or someone you love is hoping to find a space to start healing, we’re here.
Because everyone, and we mean everyone, deserves freedom from food and body shame.
🧡,
Reclaim Therapy is a trauma therapy practice that specializes in providing therapy for eating disorders.
We work with peoplewho are struggling with their relationship with food and body. We also provide EMDR therapy, trauma therapy and specialized therapy for CPTSD. Ready to get started?