Eating disorders are psychological conditions characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and distorted attitudes about food and weight. While eating disorders primarily affect women, men are also at risk. Researchers estimate that about 10-15% of those affected by anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are male. The prevalence of binge eating disorder appears to be more equivalent among males and females.
Certain groups of men may be more susceptible to developing eating disorders than others. Factors like age, sexual orientation, occupation, and mental health status can influence a man’s risk.
Gay and Bisexual Men
Studies indicate that gay and bisexual men have up to 4 times higher rates of eating disorders compared to heterosexual men. Evidence suggests that 8-14% of gay and bisexual men have a clinical or subclinical eating disorder. This group appears to be the most vulnerable to these conditions among males.
There are several potential reasons for the elevated risk in sexual minority men:
- Cultural emphasis on thinness, youthfulness, and muscularity in gay male communities
- Body dissatisfaction related to feeling unattractive or not “gay enough”
- Minority stress from discrimination due to sexual orientation
- Higher rates of body image issues and mental health conditions that can trigger eating disorders
The pressure to achieve a slim, fit, stereotypically attractive male physique may promote disordered eating and exercise habits in gay and bisexual men. Targeted prevention efforts are needed to address the disproportionate burden of eating disorders in this demographic.
Athletes
Male athletes appear to be another high-risk group, particularly those participating in sports that emphasize leanness or low body weight (e.g. running, cycling, wrestling). The prevalence of disordered eating is estimated to be up to 19% among male athletes versus 8% in the general male population.
Some contributing factors include:
- Performance pressure to meet competitive weight standards
- Belief that lower weight improves performance
- Teammates engaging in unhealthy dieting and exercise regimens
- Coaching that fosters weight preoccupation
Eating disorders can severely impair athletic performance and health. Coaches and trainers should promote proper nutrition and positive body image to prevent dangerous weight control tactics.
Weightlifters
Male weightlifters and bodybuilders also appear prone to eating pathologies, with up to 25% displaying symptoms. Obsessive desire for muscularity, use of steroids or supplements, and perceived performance benefits of extreme dieting may underlie this.
However, there are mixed findings on whether competitive bodybuilders have a significantly higher eating disorder rate than recreational weightlifters or non-lifters. More research is needed comparing these subgroups of men.
Models
Male models face pressure to achieve and maintain a thin, defined physique. Rates of eating disorder symptoms range from 5-20% in this population.
Contributors include:
- Industry pressure to meet body ideals for fashion or commercial advertising
- Weight monitoring by agents and employers
- Peer modeling of extreme dieting and exercise habits
- Unhealthy tactics to quickly “cut weight” before events
Protective measures are warranted given models’ body image concerns and disordered eating patterns.
Performing Artists
Actors, dancers, musicians, and other male performing artists are another possibly high-risk group. Eating disorder estimates range widely from 1-45% across studies.
Artistic environments that emphasize “looking the part” and managing weight for demanding performances put men in these fields at elevated risk.
Adolescents and Young Adults
Eating disorders typically begin during adolescence and early adulthood. Among males, the highest rates of disordered eating occur between ages 18-26. Teen boys and young men trying to manage school, relationships, and new responsibilities are vulnerable.
Risk factors for young males include:
- Peer influence
- Low self-esteem
- Participation in weight-focused sports
- Perceived need to improve physique
- Teasing or bullying about weight/shape
Eating disorder education and positive body image promotion should begin in early adolescence to protect boys’ physical and mental health.
Those with Mental Health Issues
Men with certain mental health conditions appear prone to developing disordered eating patterns. Those with conditions like:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Substance abuse disorders
have a significantly higher prevalence of eating disorders compared to the general male population. Disordered eating may be a maladaptive coping mechanism for underlying emotional issues in these individuals.
Conclusion
While eating disorders are stereotyped as a “female issue”, men are also at risk. Gay and bisexual men, athletes, weightlifters, models, young adults, and those with certain mental illnesses seem especially vulnerable based on higher documented rates.
However, eating disorders can affect men across all demographics. Anyone exhibiting symptoms like extreme dieting or exercise, binge eating, purging, or obsessive focus on body shape or weight may require assessment and care.
Increasing research on disordered eating in males can help improve detection, which currently lags behind identification in females. With greater awareness and support, men struggling with these potentially devastating conditions can achieve recovery.