Eating Disorders in Men

Eating Disorders across the lifespan

Recognition, Barriers, and Support

Summary:

Eating disorders are often still misunderstood as conditions that mainly affect women. In reality, men of all ages experience eating disorders, and many do so without recognising what is happening or feeling able to ask for help.

This article looks at how eating disorders commonly present in men, why they are often missed, and what supportive, specialist care can involve.

Eating disorders in men: what is often overlooked

Men experience the same core eating disorders as women, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other restrictive or mixed presentations. However, the drivers and outward signs can look different.

Because of this, difficulties are often:

• Minimised or mislabelled as “discipline” or “fitness”

• Missed by friends, family, or professionals

• Normalised within sport, gym culture, or dieting trends

  
  

As a result, many men live with eating disorders for longer before receiving appropriate support.

How eating disorders can present differently in men

A focus on leanness or muscularity

Rather than aiming to be “thin”, some men are driven by goals such as:

• Reducing body fat to extremes

• Achieving a defined or muscular physique

• Maintaining rigid body composition targets

  
  

This can involve restrictive eating, over-exercise, or cycles of bingeing and compensation.

Excessive exercise as a coping strategy

In men, compensatory behaviours are often exercise-based rather than purging. Training may become:

• Compulsive

• Driven by guilt rather than enjoyment

• Continued despite injury, illness, or exhaustion

  
  

Because exercise is socially valued, these patterns are easily missed.

Binge eating and shame

Binge eating disorder is common in men, but frequently hidden. Men often report:

• Eating large amounts in private

• Strong shame or self-criticism afterwards

• Repeated cycles of dieting or over-training

  
  

Weight stigma can make this particularly difficult to disclose.

Restriction framed as “health”

Some men restrict food under the label of:

• Clean eating

• Performance optimisation

• Body recomposition

  
  

Over time, rules can become rigid and anxiety-driven, with physical and psychological consequences.

Why many men delay seeking help

Men often describe barriers that go beyond not recognising symptoms.

Cultural expectations

Messages around masculinity can make it harder to admit difficulty, particularly with mental health or food-related struggles.

Many men worry that:

• They will not be taken seriously

• They will be seen as weak

• Eating disorders are “not meant to happen to men”

  
  

Lack of awareness

Because public messaging has historically focused on women, many men do not realise that:

• Their experiences fit recognised eating disorder patterns

• Specialist support exists for men

• Help does not require a crisis point

  
  

Fear of judgement

Some men report concern about how they will be viewed by:

• Healthcare professionals

• Peers or colleagues

• Family members

  
  

This fear often keeps difficulties hidden.

What specialist support for men can involve

Specialist eating disorder services are experienced in working with the specific ways eating disorders show up in men, without assumptions or stereotypes.

Support may include:

Thorough assessment

Looking at physical health, eating patterns, exercise behaviours, psychological factors, and any co-existing difficulties such as anxiety, trauma, or neurodiversity.

Psychological therapy

Therapy often focuses on:

• Beliefs around control, performance, and self-worth

• Body image concerns linked to strength or leanness

• Coping strategies that do not rely on restriction or over-exercise

  
  

Dietetic support

Dietetic work helps:

• Restore nutritional balance

• Reduce fear around food and weight change

• Challenge myths around “optimal” eating or body composition

  
  

Support that fits adult male lives

Support is structured around real-world responsibilities, such as work, training schedules, or family life, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all model.

When it may be time to seek help

If eating, exercise, or body-related concerns are:

• Taking up significant mental space

• Affecting health, mood, or relationships

• Becoming harder to control

  
  

It may be helpful to seek professional input, even if things do not feel “severe enough”.

Early assessment can prevent patterns from becoming more entrenched.

How we can help

At The Eating Disorders Clinic, we support men and women across the lifespan with eating disorders and disordered eating. Our work is assessment-led, specialist, and informed by an understanding of how eating disorders can present differently in men.

Support is practical, collaborative, and tailored to the individual.

A first step, at your pace

If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is an eating disorder, you are welcome to book a free initial call to talk things through.

You can also review our Website to understand how support works before making any decisions.

Author: Stefanos Pagonidis – Clinical Director, Lead Dietitian at the Eating Disorders Clinic

References:

• National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). “Eating Disorders in Men & Boys.”NEDA Website.

• American Psychological Association. “Eating Disorders in Males: Prevalence and Impact.”APA Website.

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). “Eating Disorders: Statistics and Research.”NIMH Website.