For decades, the prevailing narrative around eating disorders like anorexia nervosa has focused almost exclusively on women. The stereotypical image of an individual with anorexia is often a young, affluent, emaciated woman or girl. However, this portrayal fails to capture the harsh reality that eating disorders affect men as well, and at increasing rates. In reality, Sir Richard Morton had the first English language description of anorexia in 1689 which included one woman and man with anorexia. It’s time to shatter the stigma and shed light on the unique experiences from anorexia in men.
The Hidden Epidemic Emerging
Recent years have seen a surge in awareness and research on eating disorders in men, revealing startling truths that can no longer be ignored. Studies estimate that millions of men across the United States currently meet criteria for many eating disorders. Some of which include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder or ARFID. While cultural stereotypes persist that eating disorders primarily impact women, data suggests that up to 25% of those affected by anorexia and bulimia are male.
The presentation of anorexia in men may differ from the conventional understanding. Some cases solely pursue thinness but many men with anorexia may be driven by a different desire. This would be to achieve an idealized, lean, and muscular physique. Reminiscent of athletic ideals or those portrayed in media. When looking at the gay community, being lean and fit sometimes means being accepted by a society when they weren’t accepted growing up for who they were. For gay men and “gym bros” alike, restrictive eating and excessive exercise routines become the norm. They are centered on building muscle mass while minimizing body fat percentage. All of this to embody a very specific, culturally-prescribed standard of the “perfect” male body type. From personal experience, this contradiction to build while also losing can stir up a lot of disordered patterns.
This “muscularity-oriented” disordered eating is just as disordered and dangerous as the more stereotypical drive for thinness. Yet it often goes unrecognized due to assumptions that men wanting a muscular build must be focused on healthy fitness and nutrition practices. To learn more about the dangers of this, check out my post on the new term Bigorexia. This is where a person also feels small and weak despite an ever-increasing physique.
Shattering the Stigma: Males, Masculinity, and Shame
One of the most significant barriers preventing men from seeking help and receiving proper treatment for anorexia is the pervasive stigma, shame, and toxic masculinity surrounding the disorder. Eating disorders have historically been viewed as “female” issues. This perpetuates a harmful notion that anorexia in men is ‘impossible.’ This idea around immunity leads to the feeling that experiencing an eating disorder is a sign of weakness or lack of masculinity.
This stigma is deeply rooted in society’s rigid expectations of how men should look, behave, and embody traditional masculine ideals. These ideals consist of strength, control, independence, and emotional stoicism. The concept of “toxic masculinity” refers to these culturally prescribed male norms. Unfortunately these attitudes can foster misogyny, homophobia, and the suppression of vulnerable emotions. From a young age, men are conditioned to restrict their emotional expression and avoid exhibiting vulnerability.
The Deeper Issue with Masculinity
The pressure to adhere to these toxic masculine norms can be immense, posing a formidable barrier for men struggling with anorexia and disordered eating. Research indicates that traditional masculine norms leads to negative attitudes about seeking psychological help. It also has shown to lead to higher rates of eating disorder symptoms in men. Meaning, more cases of anorexia in men going unnoticed.
The shame resulting from ingrained beliefs around masculinity can lead to delayed diagnosis, denial of illness, poorer treatment outcomes, and higher rates of relapse compared to women. Eating disorders thrive in secrecy so these attitudes may in fact be fueling the disorder. Because of them, men may attempt to conceal their eating disordered behaviors. Leading them to suffer in silence, or turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Some of which include excessive exercise, substance abuse, or self-harm to cope with mental anguish.
Furthermore, the healthcare system itself often lacks sensitivity and resources tailored to anorexia in men. Gender stereotyping by providers who fail to screen for or recognize eating disorders in men is common. Many treatment programs take a feminized approach that fails to address issues surrounding masculinity, male identity, and societal pressures faced by men. This lack of specialized, tailored treatment exacerbates feelings of isolation and hinders recovery for male patients.
Recognizing the Signs for Anorexia in Men: A Call to Action
Raising awareness and recognizing the distinct signs of anorexia in men is crucial to breaking the silence and ensuring these individuals receive the support they need. While some symptoms may mirror those seen in women, there are patterns unique to the male experience to watch for:
- Obsession with building muscle mass and achieving a specific, lean and muscular ideal body type
- Rigid dietary rules, eliminating entire food groups or macronutrients like fats or carbs
- Compulsive, excessive exercising focused on burning calories and building muscle
- Preoccupation with calorie counting, weighing food, tracking macros and body metrics
- Use of supplements, steroids, or other substances to preserve muscle while cutting weight
- Wearing oversized clothes or layers to conceal muscularity changes or weight loss
- Increased isolation, irritability, and emotional dysregulation as the disorder progresses
- Extreme weight loss over time
If you notice a combination of these behavioral, physical, and psychological patterns in a male friend, family member, or loved one, it’s essential to approach the situation with compassion, openness, and a willingness to listen without judgment. Avoid confrontational language, threats, or criticism which could reinforce feelings of shame. Gently encourage them to seek professional help, and be prepared to offer sustained, non-judgmental support throughout the recovery journey. Sometimes we may have to be the guiding light and help to find treatment, that is ok to.
Paving the Way for Recovery
Breaking the cycle of stigma, shame, and toxic masculinity is paramount to help in cases of anorexia in men. This also paves the way for comprehensive, specialized treatment approaches that understand and address a man’s unique needs. Gender-sensitive programs that include male issues with eating disorders are crucial. These should incorporate exploration of societal pressures, masculine ideals, identity issues, emotional expression, and healthy coping strategies.
Building widespread awareness through open conversations, education, depictions of eating disorders in men across media, and positive male role models is key to normalizing the conversation. This can help reduce the shroud of shame and create more supportive, inclusive environments for men to seek help. Online support groups, forums, and communities specifically for men with eating disorders can provide a vital sense of connection, shared experience, and empowerment.
When in Doubt, Seek Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with anorexia or any other eating disorder, it’s imperative to seek help from qualified eating disorder treatment providers who deeply understand the complexities of these illnesses. Providers must be trained to screen for eating disorders in men, avoid minimizing their experiences, and provide gender-sensitive, evidence-based care that accounts for masculinity issues.
Recovery is possible, but it begins by shattering the deafening silence surrounding this often-overlooked issue. Together, through raising consciousness and dismantling stigma, we can ensure that men affected by the life-threatening reality of anorexia nervosa receive the compassionate support and specialized resources they need to reclaim their lives and heal.
