Written by: Tiluka Bhanderi, BSc RD
Reviewed by: Christine Phelan, BSc RD
When we think of eating disorders, many of us think of it being an illness that only affects women, but men can get eating disorders too. In this blog, we’ll look at why eating disorders in men are frequently overlooked, how they show up and how dietitians can provide effective support on their journey to recovery.
Table of Contents
The Hidden Side of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders affect people of all genders, yet men are often underdiagnosed or overlooked. Despite research showing that roughly 1 in 4 people with an eating disorder are male1, stigma around male mental health and misconceptions often mean their struggles go unrecognised.
Why Eating Disorders in Men Are Often Missed
Cultural and societal expectations play a huge role. Men often prioritise toughness and emotional resilience, which can make it harder to be vulnerable and acknowledge they’re struggling2. The ‘muscular ideal’ further complicates matters, as restrictive eating or excessive exercise may be framed as dedication to fitness rather than an eating disorder. Men may also describe their struggles differently, focusing on performance, energy, or control rather than weight loss, which can mask the warning signs.
Common Signs of Eating Disorders in Men
Recognising an eating disorder in men often requires looking beyond traditional symptoms. Some common signs include:
- Obsessive exercise or gym routines
- Food restriction disguised as “clean eating” or meticulous protein tracking
- Guilt around rest days or missed workouts
- Emotional distress about food, body image or fitness performance, often hidden behind a confident facade.
Having an awareness of these behaviours can help friends, family and healthcare professionals intervene early.
Different Types of Eating Disorders in Men
Men can experience all types of eating disorders and their symptoms may look different to those typically seen in women making them harder to spot. Eating disorders such as orthorexia (an obsession with ‘healthy’ or ‘clean’ foods) and muscle dysphoria (a preoccupation with not being muscular enough often paired with restrictive diets or overtraining) may show up more commonly in males3.
To learn more about the different types of eating disorders and how they can present, read our full blog post.
Why Early Support Matters
Acknowledging that men can get eating disorders is key, because delayed support can worsen both physical and emotional health and lead to more serious health consequences. Early support is crucial, and it’s important to understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. True strength includes vulnerability and recovery is possible with the right guidance.
How Dietitians Support Men with Eating Disorders
Dietitians play a vital role in recovery by offering a confidential, non-judgemental space to discuss challenges. They focus on energy, performance, and overall health rather than reinforcing body ideals. By collaborating with other professionals, dietitians provide holistic support tailored to each individual’s needs.
If you or someone you know is struggling in silence, support is available. A discovery call with a qualified dietitian in our team is a safe place to start.
References
- H Sweeting, Walker L, A MacLean, C Patterson, U Räisänen, K Hunt. Prevalence of eating disorders in males: a review of rates reported in academic research and UK mass media. International journal of men’s health [Internet]. 2018;14(2). Available from: https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/26290657
- Novotney A. Unrecognized eating disorders in boys and young men [Internet]. Apa.org. 2024. Available from: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/10/eating-disorders-boys-men
- So, Let’s Talk About Eating Disorders In Men [Internet]. National Alliance for Eating Disorders. 2023. Available from: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/so-lets-talk-about-eating-disorders-in-men/
