Eating disorders don’t discriminate based on gender, but they’re often overlooked in men.
According to Priory, anywhere between 1.25 and 3.4 million people in the UK have an eating disorder, and men make up 25% of that number, which is no small thing. Unfortunately, societal expectations and stereotypes can make it harder for men to recognise and get help for these issues. Here are some signs that might mean a man is struggling with an eating disorder to be aware of so that you’re better equipped to help and support them.
1. They’re obsessed with working out and building muscle.
Source: Unsplash While staying fit is healthy, an extreme focus on building muscle can be a red flag. If a man’s life revolves around gym sessions, constantly checking his physique in the mirror, and feeling anxious when missing a workout, it might indicate a condition called muscle dysmorphia, sometimes referred to as “bigorexia”.
2. They follow extremely restrictive diets.
It’s one thing to eat healthily, but it’s another to eliminate entire food groups or follow overly strict eating regimens. If a man is constantly on fad diets, cuts out carbs or fats entirely, or has a long list of “forbidden” foods, it could be a sign of disordered eating patterns.
3. They’re preoccupied with counting calories or macros.
Source: Unsplash While being mindful of nutrition can be positive, an obsessive focus on calorie counting or tracking macronutrients can point to a problem. If every bite is meticulously logged and causes stress or anxiety, it might be time to worry.
4. They often skip meals or make excuses not to eat.
Source: Unsplash Regularly skipping meals, especially in social situations, can be a sign of an eating disorder. If a man frequently says he’s “not hungry” or has already eaten when he hasn’t, it could indicate he’s restricting his food intake in unhealthy ways.
5. They experience rapid weight changes.
Source: Unsplash Significant weight loss or gain over a short period can be a sign of an eating disorder. While some fluctuation is normal, drastic changes, especially if accompanied by other signs on this list, could indicate a problem with eating patterns or body image.
6. They have a distorted body image.
Source: Unsplash If a man consistently sees himself as overweight despite being at a healthy weight or underweight, or if he views himself as small or weak despite major muscle mass, it could indicate body dysmorphia, which often accompanies eating disorders.
7. They use supplements or steroids excessively.
Source: Unsplash While protein shakes and vitamins can be part of a healthy diet, overreliance on supplements or use of steroids to change body composition can be a sign of an eating disorder. This is especially concerning if it’s combined with restrictive eating or over-exercising.
8. They show signs of binge eating.
Binge eating disorder is actually more common in men than anorexia or bulimia. Signs might include eating large amounts of food in short periods, eating in secret, or feeling out of control around food. This is often accompanied by feelings of guilt or shame afterwards.
9. They have unusual food rituals.
Source: Unsplash Eating disorders often come with rigid rules or rituals around food. This might include cutting food into tiny pieces, eating foods in a specific order, or refusing to let different foods touch on the plate. While some food preferences are normal, extreme rigidity can be a warning sign.
10. They withdraw from social situations involving food.
Source: Unsplash If a man consistently avoids social gatherings where food is involved, or shows anxiety around eating in public, it could indicate an unhealthy relationship with food. Eating disorders often lead to isolation as the person tries to hide their behaviour from people.
11. They show physical signs of malnutrition.
Source: Unsplash Even if weight changes aren’t obvious, other physical signs can indicate an eating disorder. These might include hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, feeling cold all the time, or developing fine body hair (lanugo). In some cases, men might experience a decrease in sex drive or fertility issues.
12. They express intense guilt or shame after eating.
Source: Unsplash Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating, especially after consuming foods deemed “unhealthy”, can be a sign of an eating disorder. This might manifest as negative self-talk, increased anxiety, or compensatory behaviours like excessive exercise after meals.
13. They have a history of yo-yo dieting.
Source: Unsplash A pattern of repeated weight loss and gain, often through extreme dieting followed by periods of overeating, can indicate disordered eating. This cycle, sometimes called yo-yo dieting, can be harmful both physically and mentally, and may be a precursor to more severe eating disorders.
