How Common Are Eating Disorders In Males?

It can be common to assume that only women are affected by eating disorders. Despite this stereotype, men and boys can also experience eating disorders, and they can be more common than you might expect. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the rates of eating disorders in males. We’ll also explore their symptoms, causes, and effects and what treating an eating disorder may involve. 

Having an eating disorder as a man can be isolating

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An introduction to eating disorders

How common are eating disorders in men?

There is a stereotype that eating disorders only affect women, but in males, eating disorders may be more common than you think. It’s been estimated that more than 6.6 million men will have an eating disorder at some point in their lives in the United States alone. According to other estimates, eating disorders may affect as many as 2.2% of men worldwide. The true rate of male eating disorders may be even higher, as men may be less likely than women to seek treatment or be diagnosed.  

What might cause a man to develop an eating disorder?

The exact causes of eating disorders are still being studied. However, it is likely that genetics, social factors, and environment all play a role in causing eating disorders, in both men and women. Body image concerns may also be a factor. With the rise of social media, people may feel increasing pressure to fit certain ideals—like being extremely thin or being big and muscular—even when these ideals aren’t realistic or healthy. These pressures can lead to body dissatisfaction and other mental health challenges. 

Certain other factors may also raise the risk of eating disorders in men. Some examples include:

• Restricting food intake or fasting for any reason
• Having a health condition that affects body size or shape
• Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community
• Having a job or hobby with a strong emphasis on appearance (like modeling, combat sports, dancing, or athletics)
• Having a mental illness like depression or anxiety 
• Being a child or adolescent

Exploring common eating disorders in men

As we’ve seen, men can develop eating disorders the same way women can. However, different disorders may affect men and women at different rates. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most common eating disorder diagnoses in men and boys. 

Binge eating disorder (BED)

When you eat an extreme amount of food in a short period of time, this is called “binging.” People with binge eating disorder (BED) typically have episodes of binge eating at least once a week for three or more months. , who may show symptoms like:

• Eating past the point of feeling full
• Eating extremely quickly
• Feeling as though they lack control over their eating
• Hiding their binging from others
• Experiencing feelings of shame or guilt after a binge

Bulimia nervosa 

Like BED, bulimia nervosa typically causes people to binge regularly on food. However, people with bulimia also tend to take action to eliminate the calories they’ve eaten during a binge. About one-third of all bulimia patients are male. Men with bulimia may:

• Obsess over their body weight or shape
• Feel a lack of control over their eating 
• Use laxatives, make themselves vomit, fast, or use other methods to compensate for a binge
• Have a normal or above-average body weight

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, or ARFID, causes people to severely limit the types of foods they eat. ARFID is one of the more common eating disorders in males, especially boys and adolescents. 

ARFID shares some similarities with anorexia nervosa, another disorder that also causes extreme food restriction. However, people with anorexia tend to restrict their eating to avoid gaining weight, while people with ARFID tend to have other reasons for restricting their eating. People with ARFID may:

• Have an extreme fear of choking, throwing up, or having an allergic reaction
• Only eat foods with specific colors, textures, or smells
• Have trouble eating socially
• Show a general lack of interest in eating

Muscularity-oriented disordered eating

Muscularity-oriented disordered eating is not an official eating disorder diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, researchers have pointed out that men may adopt unhealthy eating habits to put on muscle. Wanting to build muscle may not be a problem on its own, but when taken to an extreme, it may lead to behaviors like:

• Exercising excessively to gain strength or burn calories
• Consuming too much protein 
• Excessively limiting intake of carbs and fats
• Using steroids or other drugs to put on muscle

A note on body dysmorphia

Having an unhealthy obsession with looking muscular may also be a sign of body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD. BDD causes people to have a distorted view of their bodies and obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance. Men may be especially susceptible to a specific type of BDD called muscle dysmorphia, which makes people obsess over not being muscular enough. 

Warning signs of eating disorders in males

According to the Child Mind Institute, eating disorders may develop earlier in life in men than in women. Some eating disorders that are common in men—like muscularity-oriented disordered eating—may also be harder to spot, because having lots of muscle may not seem as alarming as being extremely underweight. However, understanding the warning signs may make eating disorders easier to identify. Eating disorder symptoms in men and boys may include:

• Obsessing about gaining muscle
• Exercising excessively
• Frequently eating large amounts of food at one time
• Obsessively reading nutrition labels 
• Frequently going to the bathroom right after eating
• Using steroids or supplements to gain muscle
• Avoiding whole food groups or nutrients (like carbs or fats)
• Avoiding social situations that involve food

The consequences of disordered eating

Even though they can sometimes be harder to spot in males, eating disorders can still have significant effects on mental and physical health. Depending on the disorder, these may include:

• A distorted body image
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or frustration
• Low self-esteem
• Anxiety and depression
• Malnutrition
• Obesity
• Tooth decay 
• Organ failure

Men with eating disorders may be more at risk of certain complications. Some examples include kidney problems, injuries, complications from supplement and steroid use, and low levels of testosterone. Over-exercising may also lead to dangerous levels of muscle breakdown. 

Getting help 

Eating disorders can be challenging, but , which is why you might consider talking to a healthcare provider if you’re concerned you may have an eating disorder. Eating disorder treatment often involves a combination of medical and psychological interventions. The goal of these strategies is typically to help patients get back to a healthy weight, treat any physical side effects of the disorder, and prevent relapse. Because men with eating disorders may have a higher risk of using steroids and other substances, doctors may also take these factors into account when they design a treatment plan. 

Having an eating disorder as a man can be isolating

Get support from a licensed therapist

Mental health support for eating disorders in men

Medical treatments are often just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to treating an eating disorder. Making a full recovery usually involves addressing the mental factors that are contributing to disordered eating. Working with a counselor or therapist may help you change inaccurate thoughts and feelings about body image and food and set the stage for recovery. 

The stereotype that eating disorders only affect women can make it harder for men to seek help. Treatment environments that mainly cater to women can be isolating, which is why online therapy may be a useful resource. An online therapy platform can match you with a licensed therapist based on your unique needs, with the option to change therapists at any time, for any reason. This flexibility may make it easier to find a therapist who understands and relates to you. You can communicate with your therapist in a way that’s most comfortable for you, whether by audio, video, or live chat. 

Studies show that online therapy is an effective treatment for eating disorders that can be common in males. In 2022, 41 participants received internet-based therapy for either binge eating disorder or bulimia. Online therapy significantly improved their symptoms.