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International Eating Disorder Referral Organization
Males and Eating Disorders
Males and Eating Disorders: Some Basic Facts and Findings
Approximately 7-10 million women across the country suffer from eating disorders. Most research into these serious
disorders has been conducted on females. However, as many as a million men may also struggle with the diseases!
Eating disorders include extreme attitudes, emotions and behaviors surrounding both food and weight issues. They
include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. All are serious emotional and physical problems
that can have devastating effects and life-threatening consequences. Eating disorders affect both men and women.
While eating disorders are less common in men, approximately 10% of those suffering from eating disorders are male
(Wolf, 1991). Studies also demonstrate that cultural and media pressures on men for the "ideal body" are the rise. This
increased focus on body shape, size and physical appearance will likely contribute to increased numbers of eating
disorder in males. Research indicates that eating disorders in males are clinically similar to eating disorders in females
(Schneider & Argas, 1987).
Studies also demonstrate that certain athletic activities appear to put males at risk for developing eating disorders. Body
builders, wrestlers, dancers, swimmers, runners, rowers, gymnasts and jockeys are prone to eating disorder due to the
weigh restrictions necessitated by their sports (Andersen, Bartlett, Morgan & Rowena, 1995).
Body image concerns appear to be one the strongest variables in predicting eating disorders in males. Studies have
demonstrated (Wertheim et al, 1992) that the drive for thinness was a more important predictor of weight loss behaviors
than psychological and/or family variables (this desire was true of both adolescent males and females).
Other studies have found that men with eating disorders tend to have more passive-aggressive personality styles and
have had negative reactions to their bodies from their peers while growing up. Research also indicates that anorexic
males tend to have more dependent and avoidant personalities. Males with anorexia do not tend conform to the cultural
expectations for masculinity such as: to be competitiveness, muscularity/strength, physical aggressiveness,
independence and competence in athletics (Kearney-Cooke & Steichen-Asch, 1990).
We are learning more about the etiology of eating disorders in males every day. There is so much more to learn. It is
important to remember that the devastating effects of eating disorders cross gender lines and severely impact the
health and well-being of both men and women. Further, it is important that those suffering seek help!
Anorexia Nervosa in Males: Anorexia is a life-threatening disorder that is characterized by self-starvation and excessive
weight loss.
Some Symptoms include:
• Food rituals
• Compulsive exercise and/or preoccupation with body mass, muscles, etc.
• Preoccupation with food
• Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age, height, body type, and activity level
• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight
• Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced
• Undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of current low body
weight
• Lying about eating or difficulty eating around others
• Depression, isolation, loneliness
• Unrealistic and perfectionistic standards
• Difficulty expressing feelings
• Low self-esteem
• Need for control
• Possible sexual orientation and gender identity issues
• Decreased interest in sex, anxiety surrounding sexual activity
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Low blood pressure and body temperature
• Thinning hair or hair loss, lanugo
• Heart arrhythmia and electrolyte disturbances
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by a highly secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging. Bulimia includes eating
large amounts of food (more than most people would eat in a meal) in a short period, then getting rid of the food and
calories through vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative abuse.
Some Symptoms include:
• Recurrent episodes of binge eating
• A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode (e.g., a feeling that one cannot stop eating or control
what or how much one is eating)
• Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting;
misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications; fasting; or excessive exercise
• Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight
• Preoccupation with food
• Hoarding, hiding, stealing food
• Fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
• Depression, isolation and loneliness
• Difficulty expressing feelings
• Possible sexual orientation and gender identity issues
• Low self-esteem
• "People-pleasers"
• Perfectionistic standards
• Fatigue
• Weight Fluctuations
• Edema
• Dental problems
• Electrolyte imbalances
Compulsive Overeating is characterized by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive or continuous eating beyond the point of
feeling full. While there is no purging, there may be fasts or repetitive diet attempts. Often there are feelings of shame
and self-hatred after a binge.
Some Symptoms include:
• Recurrent episodes of binge eating
• Hoarding, hiding, stealing food
• Eating rapidly and/or eating until uncomfortably full
• Consuming large amount of food when not hungry
• Body weight fluctuations
• Depression, anxiety, and loneliness
• Low self-esteem
• "People-pleasers"
• Perfectionistic standards
• Difficulty expressing feelings
• Negative attention received about their body while growing up
• Feelings of guilt and shame during and/or after a binge episode
• Binge eating used to numb feelings, relieve tension, deal with anger, depression and other emotional states
• Problems with heart and blood pressure and/or blood sugar problems
• Fatigue
• Joint problems
Other eating disorders may include some combination of signs and symptoms of anorexia, bulimia, and/or compulsive
overeating. These behaviors may not meet the clinical criteria of an "eating disorder"; however, they can still be
extremely dangerous physically and psychologically. All forms of eating disorders require professional help.
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