Male Eating Disorders in the UK: A Hidden Crisis?

*Trigger Warning: This article discusses struggles with body image and eating disorders which some readers may find offensive and/or triggering. Reader discretion is recommended. *

Eating disorders have become hugely prevalent, casting a long shadow over society today. They are widely perceived as a predominantly female issue, however, the reality is far more complex. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the significant prevalence of eating disorders among men in the UK.

Despite this, the condition remains vastly underreported and misunderstood, shrouding males living with an eating disorder in a cloak of stigma and isolation. Contrary to popular belief, eating disorders are not solely defined by worries about how one looks. They are complex mental health conditions characterised by abnormal eating patterns, obsessive thoughts about food and weight, and more often than not, distorted perceptions of body image.

While it is true that women are disproportionately affected, men constitute a substantial portion of those struggling with these debilitating illnesses, a fact that often goes unrecognised when discussing this topic. Recent figures suggest that in the UK, there are between 1.25 and 3.4 million people who are living with an eating disorder (Priory,2024). 25% of sufferers reported are men, which equates to between 312,500 & 850,000 men living with an eating disorder on record.

The NHS acknowledges the underrepresentation of men in eating disorder statistics, attributing this to a combination of factors including societal pressures, stigma, and generally a lack of awareness.

One example can be found in recent research conducted by Caps Independent Advocacy that was submitted to the NHS Body Health Research Authority:

“Yet, men and boys with eating disorders are often absent from public discussions and popular depictions of eating disorders, and EDs in males have been described as “underdiagnosed, undertreated and misunderstood” (Strother, Lemberg, Stanford, & Turbeville, 2012).”

– Caps Independent Advocacy, ‘Understanding how gender shapes men’s experiences of eating disorders – a qualitative study’, 2023

It has been highlighted by various UK eating disorder charities such as BEAT, that men have continued to face challenges unique to their gender when seeking help for an eating disorder. Many men feel reluctant to disclose their struggles due to prevailing stereotypes about masculinity and an inherent fear of being judged by their peers. It is imperative that we dispel these misconceptions and shed light on the reality of males experiencing eating disorders.

By understanding the unique experiences of men affected by these conditions, we can work towards breaking down social barriers and improving access to support, ultimately helping to reassure, alleviate suffering in silence, and save lives.

My Story with Body Image Issues & Eating Disorders

I would like to take this opportunity to share my brief personal insight into living with an eating disorder and body image issues as a man. Here are some things that stick in my mind relating to the journey I took to alleviate my recurring issues.

From the age of 13, I began to develop an awareness of how my body was changing and I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror. I had always been interested in sports at school but as I moved into secondary school, I noticed that I was larger and taller than most other boys my age.

I remember that the other guys in the locker room started to notice this too. They began calling me names and teasing me about my weight and physical development. As a particularly introverted young man, being singled out for this kind of attention was unpleasant and began to make my life difficult. I eventually lost interest in sports and used food to avoid my problems. I ate to cope with my feelings, which led to a cycle of bullying, self-loathing, binge eating, and then starvation to try to control my expanding waistline. It got so bad that my secondary school held an intervention with my parents to understand what was going on with me.

However, I felt victimised because I was taken out of classes for therapy sessions with student therapists regularly, which began to fuel rumours amongst my peers. This happened throughout my time at secondary school and stayed with me through my teenage years up until my late 20s when I decided enough was enough and it was time for a change. Knowing where to start was difficult, as I mentioned previously, it is not the done thing for a man to open up or to seek out help for concerns relating to eating disorders, mental health and/or body image concerns. Embracing the challenge and moving forward was one of the most important things I needed to do.

Steps taken that helped me come to terms with the issues I was facing

During my healing journey, I incorporated 5 self-aware steps, which helped me to overcome the challenges that I was facing. I call this the RAAST Model:

1: R ~ Recognise ~ This can be easier said than done however, it is important and the first key step in the process. By educating yourself and becoming aware of potentially unhealthy habits with food or harmful behaviours, we can attempt to mitigate potentially harmful effects developing. This can be achieved by practicing mindfulness, mindful eating, and developing a mindful connection to our bodies.

2: A ~ Acknowledge ~ That there is a problem.

3: A ~ Accept ~ Set aside your ego. You will tell yourself you’re fine and that all will work itself out but that is unhelpful and may not be the case. If something feels off for prolonged periods of time, something is off. Accept it and move on to the next phase which is…

4: S ~ Seek Support ~The first step in seeking support is often considered the hardest. Talk to a trusted friend or family member and ask them to accompany you for moral support when reaching out to your G.P. or Psychological Well-being Practitioner.

5: T ~ Time ~ all change takes time, remember you cannot undo years of practice in weeks of help. Recovery is a marathon not a sprint. In time you will build up a network of support that will help you succeed you just need to be patient, follow medical advice and remain open minded.