According to the National Eating Disorders Association, roughly one in three people who are struggling with an eating disorder is male. Additionally, subclinical eating disorder behaviors, such as laxative abuse, binge eating, fasting, and purging, are just as common among men as they are among women.

1. Underdiagnosed Male Eating
Disorders are Becoming
Recognized
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2. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, roughly one in three people who are struggling
with an eating disorder is male. Additionally, subclinical eating disorder behaviors, such as laxative abuse,
binge eating, fasting, and purging, are just as common among men as they are among women.
Many men may not recognize or want to admit that they have an eating disorder, in part because of cultural
bias. The stigma surrounding eating disorders is doubled when applied to men, who largely view it as a
woman’s problem.
Eating disorders are especially prevalent among male athletes, says another study by the National Eating
Disorders Association. In the study, they found that 38% of male college athletes were at risk for bulimia,
while 10% of were at risk for developing anorexia.
Unfortunately, the culture surrounding athletics will likely lead to non-treatment of these eating disorders.
More often than not, an athlete’s weight loss – even when it affects their mental and physical health – will
be celebrated. In many cases, the rigid discipline that athletes exhibit regarding their exercise and eating
habits is seen as something to admire and respect, if not praise outright.

3. Many male athletes internalize this attitude, which can lead to an unhealthy focus on diet and exercise.
Adding to this pressure is the scrutiny that their bodies get from their coaches. This is particularly common
in sports that emphasize appearance or weight, such as running or cycling. In an attempt to make
themselves lighter and therefore faster, many runners and cyclers go to extreme lengths to burn extra
pounds.
While cultural bias hinders men from seeking help, it is not too late. When men do seek help, they show
similar responses to the treatment as women. However, treatment for men cannot be the same as
treatment for women; a gender-sensitive approach that recognizes men’s different needs is critical for
effective treatment.

4. Resources:
• http://ccbhtherapy.com/services/dbt-for-binge-eating-and-bulimia/
• https://www.npr.org/2019/03/02/699733879/underdiagnosed-male-eating-
disorders-are-becoming-increasingly-identified